English Church on the Eve of Reformation Flashcards
Who were key anti-clerical figures?
1/ William Tyndale - A scholar and humanist, influenced by Martin Luther. Criticised for poor quality of clergy, sale of indulgences, doctrine of purgatory and the use of Latin over Vernacular.
His copies of an English Bible made it into England however limited support before the reformation.
2/ Thomas Cranmer - Humanist scholar, chaplain to Anne Boleyn’s father. helped Henry reform the Church after 1530 and wrote English Bible in 1549 and 1552.
Burned for heresy under Mary I.
What was Protestantism?
Linked to inextricably to anticlericalism, originated in Germany and Switzerland around 1517.
What writers were there an emphasis on in Protestantism?
Luther and Zwingli
What radical ideas did Protestantism emphasise?
‘Justification by faith alone’ - individuals inner faith not their external acts.
How did Protestantism spread to England?
Via trading ports such as Bristol and London
Who was Luther?
Augustinian monk - began to question Pope’s authority. 1517 - Pope tried to raise money by selling indulgences, Luther outspoken in criticism.
Believed reach salvation through faith rather than ceremonies, sacraments and indulgences.
What was Humanism?
Wanted Catholic Church retained but the removal of abuses.
Who were three key humanists?
1/ John Colet - Dean of St. Paul’s Church, criticised senior churchmen appointed for education and administrative skill over spirituality.
2/ Erasmus - Attacked corruption and superstition. Attacked Luther, remained Catholic, supporting more simple Christianity, but advocated for reforming nature of protestantism.
3/ Sir Thomas More - Wrote ‘Utopia’ in 1516, criticised society and Church. Wanted to remove all abuses from the Church and return to true faith. Did not weaken the Church or open it up to Protestantism.
What were four main strands of anti-clericalism outlined by Scarisbrick?
1/ ‘negative, destructive anticlericalism’ - widespread dissatisfaction of Church at local level. Not motivated by deep theological principles.
2/ ‘Positive and idealistic, but secular’ - desire from laymen to reform and rid authority of the Pope, redirect its wealth.
3/ ‘Positive, idealistic and religious’ - theological based reform.
4/ ‘Anticlericalism of heresy’ - ie. Lollardy - Founded by John Wycliffe in 14th century. Based on personal piety and use of scripture and opposed traditional religion + sacraments + cults.
