"I love Rome, but London better"

Medieval writers called on Roman and Greek mythology for influence and inspiration in their writing; Humanist scholars were similarly motivated by these cultures and, specifically, their language. The two eras treated the ancient cultures and their literature differently, though. Greek and Roman culture had the greatest impact on Renaissance religion, which in turn influence the politics and literature of the era.
While medieval writers tied the mythology into their own far-fetched tales, Humanist writers sought to shape its stories and morals to support Christian ideology. Fascinatingly, the philosophy of Plato, who we can assume practiced polytheism in the Greek tradition, "could be harmonized with Christian ideals" (467).
Considering the history of Christianity, and also the basis of the Reformation, I find the departure from the classic belief that man is finite, fallen, and frail that became characteristic of the Renaissance fascinating. This picture is colored even more when one considers the apathetic piety practiced by Margery Kempe. The "emphasis on human potential and free will" that became celebrated during the Renaissance provides interesting contrast to Margery's torturous worship practices (467).
Finally, the evolution of English as an accepted and praised literary vernacular has much to thank Latin for. Richard Mulcaster's passage provides an elegant justification for the adoption of English. It's also interesting here to note the influence of patriotism that was developing, perhaps out of the previously mentioned emphasis on human and societal potential.

The religious metaphor in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet provides extreme irony. However, I'm not sure if this is a stab at the morality of the Catholic church or just an innocent literary device. Is Shakespeare's use of religious players in describing and justifying an immorally-motived act a commentary on the practices of the church that ultimately fueled the Protestant Revolution? Following the readings of Canterbury Tales and Margery Kempe, it's hard to see religion, and especially pilgrimage, playfully referenced.