Henry VIII & Religion Flashcards
Why was the Reformation called the Henrician Reformation?
Although Henry VIII was against the Pope, he didn’t agree much with Protestantism either. His ‘Reformation’ was not very Protestant and is often called the Henrician Reformation.
- Often called ‘Catholicism without the Pope’.
Was Henry consistent in his religious reform?
No;
- In 1536, the Act of Ten Articles rejected four of the Catholics’ seven sacraments.
However, the Bishops’ Book was published in 1537. It gave advice and attacked abuses and Catholic superstitions, but it also restored the missing four sacraments.
- An English Bible was published. Its frontispiece showed God giving Henry VIII His word and Henry VIII handing it to the English people.
What was the theological resolution Henry VIII made?
- In 1539, the Act of the Six Articles confirmed key Roman Catholic beliefs including confession to priests and, most importantly, transubstantiation.
- The Act banned Protestant beliefs like married clergy and giving wine as well as bread at holy communion.
In 1539, the Act for Dissolution of the Greater Monasteries ensured the continuation of a vital source of revenue as Henry was fortifying southern England.
What were the reasons for the dissolution of the monasteries?
- Although there were political and economic reasons for the dissolution of the monasteries, there were also religious ones.
- As Vicar-General, Cromwell was against ‘superstitious’ Catholic practices, such as praying for souls of dead in Purgatory, saints’ relics and pilgrimages.
- In 1535, Cromwell sent out Visitations telling them to find evidence that monks and nuns were not living up to their vows.
Who were the protestant reformers under Henry VIII?
- Hardline Protestants such as Hugh Latimer and Thomas Cranmer were spreading Protestant beliefs through their preaching and prominence in government.
- Cromwell was pushing for doctrinal reform, as demonstrated in the Ten Articles of Faith. This was a compromise between Lutheran and traditional Catholic ideas.
Were there internal divisions were there between Protestant reformers?
Yes;
- Historian Peter Marshall describes the ‘kaleidoscopic diversity’ of Protestants in Tudor England.
- This reminds us that there were considerable divisions amongst Protestant reformers. They couldn’t agree at all about what the future of the Church looked like.
What was the impact of the vernacular scripture?
- The most noticeable change in the Church, to an ordinary layman, was the use of vernacular scripture (an English Bible).
- Becon said: ‘The restoration of Scripture was the foremost reason to praise God and the king’.
Was the future of the CofE stable after Henry died?
The future of the English nation and the religious settlement was very uncertain, as Edward VI was only nine years old and dependent on a regency government.
What opposition to religious reform was there in court?
- Key figures refused to take the oath accepting Henry’s divorce.
- Examples included the Chancellor, Thomas More and the Bishop of Rochester, John Fisher.
- Both were executed.
What is the historical argument for the Henrician Reformation being popular?
Ethan Shagan (2002)
- ‘The reformation was “popular” in that people played an important role in deciding what sort of reformation they experienced and constructing the meanings in their communities.’ ‘English Reformation was not done to people, it was done with them.’
What is the historical argument against the Henrician Reformation being popular?
Christopher Haigh (1993)
- ‘The Protestant Reformation was far less effective than the political reformations had been: legislative destruction proved easier than evangelical construction.’
