Laudianism and Absolutism Flashcards
Absolutism
What was the key idea behind Laudianism’s significance in England and Scotland?
Laudianism posed a threat to religious expression but was perceived as a reflection of Charles I’s absolutist tendencies, merging religious and political concerns.
Absolutism
What was the broader significance of the drive for religious conformity under Laudianism?
It was seen as a reflection of Charles I’s absolutist tendencies, intertwining authority and order in both religious and political spheres.
What is the context of Roger Manwaring’s sermon in the 1620s?
Preached in front of King Charles I during a period of growing Parliamentary opposition, emphasizing divine right and obedience to monarchy.
What were the key arguments presented in Roger Manwaring’s sermon?
- Kingly power is divinely delegated, supreme, and unchallengeable.
- Kings are above earthly and spiritual entities, including men and angels.
- Royal commands, even if contradictory to God’s law, must be endured without resistance.
- Resistance to the king is a grievous sin, branding individuals as traitors and evildoers.
How did Laudianism align with absolutism?
By emphasizing divine right and unchallengeable authority, Laudianism reinforced fears of Charles I’s absolute monarchy.
What was the impact of Laudianism on the English Civil War?
It escalated opposition by intertwining religious and political grievances, contributing to tensions in England and Scotland.
How do conservative historians view Laudianism?
Kevin Sharpe argues it reflected Charles I’s genuine commitment to religious uniformity, rather than calculated absolutism.
How do revisionist historians interpret resistance to Laudianism?
Conrad Russell contends it was less about theology and more about opposition to centralization and authoritarianism.
What is the radical perspective on Laudianism?
Christopher Hill views it as a tool of class oppression, aligning monarchy and Church against Puritan dissent.
How did Laudianism affect different regions?
- In England, it deepened divides between Puritans and Royalists.
- In Scotland, it clashed with Presbyterian traditions, leading to rebellion.
What were the broader historical themes connected to Laudianism?
- Crisis of authority between monarchy and constitutional freedoms.
- Religious disputes as proxies for political struggles.
- Decline of Charles I’s personal rule and rise of parliamentary sovereignty.
What continuities did Laudianism represent?
- Continuation of monarchical control over the Church.
- Longstanding Stuart emphasis on divine right and hierarchy.
- Alignment of religious policy with royal authority.
What changes did Laudianism bring?
- Departure from Elizabethan moderation toward stricter conformity.
- Escalation of tensions between Crown and Parliament.
- Shift in Scottish resistance to broader political and religious crises.
What were the causes of Laudianism?
- Charles I’s belief in divine right and religious uniformity.
- Laud’s focus on ritual and hierarchy to restore Church order.
- Fear of Puritan influence and dissent.
What were the effects of Laudianism?
- Alienation of Puritans and Presbyterians.
- Scottish Bishops’ Wars and recall of Parliament.
- Heightened perceptions of Charles as an absolutist, contributing to the English Civil War.
How did Laudianism affect religion and identity?
It touched on Protestant identity, fears of “popery,” and anxieties about foreign influence, especially due to Charles’ marriage to Catholic Henrietta Maria.
How did Laudianism expose the fragility of the Elizabethan Settlement?
It revealed the compromises maintaining peace since Elizabeth I’s reign were vulnerable to stricter religious policies.
