AS FP2 : Henry VIII, Religion : continuity and change by 1547

Question 1

Conceptual awareness

What was the political status of the Church in the 1520s?

Answer 1

• The Pope had influence in domestic affairs, such as the King’s Great Matter - additionally the Pope’s interests had a sway on foreign policy e.g Crusades.
• Catholics had great influence at both the court and in government, religious influence on policies - e.g Wolsey and Foxe

Question 2

Conceptual awareness

What was Henry’s relationship with the church in the 1520s?

Answer 2

• In 1521 Henry had been titled Defender of the Faith by the Pope after he wrote the ‘Defence of the Seven Sacrements’ against Martin Luther
• He ordered public burnings of Lutherian texts in order to exert his royal authority over his subjects and the early rise of protestantism.

Question 3

What remained largely the same about the church concerning its appearance and daily religious life?

Answer 3

Services remained largely traditional in form and the interior of churches was little altered.

Question 4

What remained the same about the church in terms of its structure?

Answer 4

Church hierarchy was still intact, with Bishops still having large amounts of power and land ; however extension of royal authority over semi-independant regions was increased meaning that Dioceses (e.g Durham) were less controlled by bishops.

Question 5

What changed about the church constitutionaly?

Answer 5

Henry was now Head of the Church and State after the 1534 Act of Supremacy ; additionally, the supplication of ordinances made it so church law couldn’t be made without king’s consent + treasonous to deny Henry’s supremacy.

Question 6

What changed about the church in terms of its worship?

Answer 6

• Royal Injunctions ; English bible in every parish church, injunctions against pilgrimages and idolatry (not entirely enforced).
• Religious doctrine was influenced by protestantism

Question 7

What changed about the church in terms of its culture?

Answer 7

Monastic buildings fell into ruin, the loss of knowledge, libraries and architecture, massive transfer of wealth and resources from the church to the crown.
Loss of places of charity and education.