1. the english reformation- role and importance of the church Flashcards
What was the role of the Church in the sixteenth century?
The Church was an incredibly powerful organisation that fulfilled a huge range of roles in society.
How much revenue did the Church generate compared to the Crown in 1520?
In 1520, the Church was making approximately £400,000 annually, compared to £40,000 a year being earned by the Crown.
How many clergy were there in England during this time?
There were 45,000 clergy in England at this time, out of a population of around two and a half million.
Who led the clergy in England?
The clergy were led by the Pope in Rome, followed by a hierarchy of cardinals, archbishops, and bishops.
Did the King of England have direct control over the Church?
At this time, the King of England did not have direct control over the Church.
What was the influence of churchmen in government?
Many churchmen were very influential members of government, as all bishops and archbishops sat in the House of Lords.
How did the Church support the king’s power?
The Church was extremely important in maintaining the king’s power, as it supported the idea of the Great Chain of Being.
What was the belief regarding donations to the Church?
Worshippers believed that making generous donations to the Church could ensure they went to Heaven after death.
What were indulgences?
Indulgences were payments made for people to pray for you.
What tax did parishioners have to pay to the Church?
Parishioners had to pay a tax to the Church known as a tithe.
How was the wealth of the Church reflected in its buildings?
The Church was able to pay for lavish churches and monasteries, most of which were built of stone and are still standing.
What did the Church do for the poor and needy?
The Church gave a great deal of money to the poor and needy.
What was the key point about the Catholic Church’s power?
The Catholic Church dominated the medieval world - its power and wealth exceeded that of the monarch.
What role did the Church play in the community?
The Church gave a great deal of money and was central to the lives of people devoted to their religion, particularly to their local church.
Who were the majority of the English population during this time?
Most of the English population were rural peasants who rarely left their village.
How did rural peasants connect to the wider world?
Their connection to the rest of the world came through their parish priest, who was usually a local man educated during his ordination.
What were the primary responsibilities of priests?
Priests led their congregation in prayer and taught the lessons of the Bible.
In what language was the Bible used in the Catholic Church?
The Bible was written, read, and spoken in Latin.
What is the significance of the Eucharist in Catholic faith?
The Eucharist involves worshippers ceremonially drinking wine and eating bread representing the blood and body of Christ.
How did religion impact the lives of peasants?
Religion made a difficult life for peasants more bearable, offering holy days to celebrate and the promise of seeing loved ones in Heaven.
What were the three parts of the Catholic afterlife?
Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory. Many Catholics believed that prayer and a sinless life would result in a shorter stay in Purgatory.
How did communities invest in their churches?
Communities lavished a great deal of their wealth, devotion, and energy on ensuring that their church was well decorated, maintained, and furnished.
What was the significance of festivals and holy days?
There were a huge number of festivals, holy days, and traditions which people enjoyed and found great comfort in. Many of these traditions were ancient and important to ordinary peasants.
How did the English peasantry understand their world?
The English peasantry understood their world in terms of God rather than science. Bad harvests, illness, or bad luck were seen as God’s will.
