9. Religious developments and the ‘Golden Age’ of Elizabethan culture Flashcards
How was the settlement viewed by 1563?
Satisfied the wishes of many and reflected the desire for stability.
However, the compromise of 1559 was not accepted by all.
The main debate was whether the settlement was complete or if there was room for further change.
What were the two main conflicting views towards the settlement?
Some wanted to purify the Church of England of ‘Popish’ elements.
Others wanted the restoration of the traditional religion under the Pope.
What was Puritanism?
Influential in the 1560s and 1570s.
Believed in the eradication of ‘popish superstition’.
Some groups posed a challenge to the Elizabethan settlement.
What was the Vestiarian Controversy?
Caused by tensions between the queen and Puritans.
Several figures within the church expressed that they could not obey the rules of clerical dress laid down by the Act of Uniformity.
How did the church respond to the Vestiarian Controversy?
Archbishop Parker and five bishops issues ‘Advertisements’ in March 1566 which required clergy to follow a uniform approach in the administration of the sacraments and acceptance of church apparel.
What was the significance of the Vestiarian Controversy?
Elizabeth dismissed Thomas Sampson from his post for his refusal to wear the required vestments.
37 London clergymen refused to support the ‘advertisements’ and lost their position.
Showed the extent of the Queen’s determination to enforce the settlement.
What was The Presbyterian movement?
An aspect of the Puritan movement.
Believed that the Church should be further reformed in its structure and forms of worship.
Questioned the scriptural basis for the authority of bishops and other aspects.
How did Presbyterians spread their views?
In two pamphlets…
The first Admonition- attacked the Book of Common Prayer and called for the abolition of Bishops.
The second Admonition- Provided a detailed description of a Presbyterian system of Church government.
What was the impact of the Presbyterian movement?
Although this movement was geographically confined, it attracted high ranking support.
e.g. The Earl of Huntingdon, the Earl of Leicester and Lord Burghley
The movement grew in the 1580s but attempts to bring change through parliament failed.
How did the Archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift, attempt to destroy Presbyterianism?
He issued Three Articles to which the clergy had to subscribe…
Acknowledgement of the royal supremacy
Acceptance of the prayer book as containing nothing ‘contrary to the word of God’
Acceptance that the Thirty-Nine Articles.
What was successful about the attack on Presbyterianism?
By the late 1580s, Presbyterianism was in decline.
Very few Puritan clergy were prepared to break with the church and refuse the Three Articles.
The death of John Field in 1589, a key organiser of Presbyterianism, weakened the movement.
What failed about the attack on Presbyterianism?
By treating moderates and radicals alike, he caused much despair among the clergy.
Although Whitgift had the support of the queen, many of her ministers were suspicious.
What was Separatism?
Most extreme form of Puritanism.
Emerged in the 1580s.
Wanted to separate from the Church of England altogether.
They opposed the queen’s status as Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
How did Seperartists have an impact under Elizabeth?
There were some separatist movements in London although these were small.
Led to the passing of the Act against Seditious Sectaries in 1593.
Leaders were tried and executed.
Elizabethan separatism was destroyed.
When was the decline of Puritanism?
Late 1580s.
Defeat of the Spanish Armada reduced the threat of Catholicism.
The 1559 Book of Common Prayer was accepted as the basis for an acceptable from of worship.
