Humanist thought emerged as a distinctive culture in the fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, characterized by several key features.

First, humanists focused on classical Greek and Roman texts along with the holy books of the Christians. In north Europe, humanism attracted many members of the Church who called on Christians to practise religion as laid down in ancient texts, discarding unnecessary rituals which they condemned as later additions to a simple religion.

Second, humanist thought introduced a radically new view of human beings as free and rational agents. This view was inspired by the belief in a distant God who created man but allowed him complete freedom to live his life freely, in pursuit of happiness 'here and now'.

Third, humanist culture emphasized subjects not drawn from or connected with religion, such as grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history and moral philosophy. These subjects were called 'humanities', derived from the Latin word humanitas used by Cicero to mean culture. They emphasised skills developed by individuals through discussion and debate.

Finally, a significant feature was the slackening of the control of religion over human life. This educational programme implied that there was much to be learnt which religious teaching alone could not give.