Religious Motives

Definition

The drive behind actions based on religious beliefs or values. In European history context, this often refers to motivations behind exploration, colonization, and wars.

Analogy

Imagine being part of a sports team that believes their mascot brings them good luck. This belief motivates the team to perform rituals before each game - similar to how religious motives can inspire actions in historical events.

Related terms

Crusades: A series of religious wars sanctioned by the Latin Church in medieval times with an aim to reclaim Holy Land from Muslim rule.

Reformation: A 16th-century movement for the reform of abuses in the Roman Catholic Church ending in the establishment of Protestant churches.

Missionary Work: Religious work done by individuals who spread their religion's teachings and convert others to their faith; often seen during colonial periods as part of religious motives.