A concern for that which is specifically human, as opposed to the divine (or, less often, to the animal); and for humanity in general, rather than particular individuals. More specifically, the term indicates a mode of thought and practise considered to have strengthened during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries in europe, especially with the renewed interest in (pre- and non-christian) greek and roman art and literature, and attempts to reformulate religious doctrines and practises in light of protestant criticisms of the roman church.