Religious Division in Parliament Flashcards
What were the primary sources of religious tension in Parliament during Charles I’s reign?
Divisions arose mainly between Puritans, who wanted to reform the Church of England to align with Protestant doctrine, and Arminians, who emphasized free will and were perceived as having Catholic tendencies.
Who was Richard Montagu, and why was he controversial?
Richard Montagu was an Arminian cleric whose writings aligned with Arminian doctrine, making him central to religious tensions.
What happened during Montagu’s trial in 1625?
Parliament tried to bring Montagu to trial for publishing works that were deemed contrary to the Articles of Religion of the Church of England, reflecting Puritan fears of Arminian influence and a Catholic resurgence.
What was the significance of the Resolution Against Montagu in April 1626?
Parliament passed a resolution declaring Montagu guilty of promoting doctrines opposed to the Church of England, and he was arrested by the Commons’ Serjeant at Arms, demonstrating Parliament’s willingness to assert authority over royal appointments and religious doctrine.
How did Charles I respond to the controversy surrounding Montagu?
In 1626, Charles I appointed Montagu as a royal chaplain, signaling support for Arminianism and undermining Parliament. He dissolved Parliament that summer to protect Montagu and preserve royal prerogative.
What was the reaction of moderate Anglicans to Montagu?
Even non-Puritan Anglicans opposed Montagu, accusing him of unfairly labeling critics as Puritans, indicating broader dissatisfaction with Charles’s religious policy.
How did Parliament challenge royal authority during the Montagu controversy?
Parliament questioned the king’s support for Arminianism and his prerogative in appointing royal chaplains, illustrating a growing divide over governance and religious policy.
What is Arminianism, and why did Puritans oppose it?
Arminianism is a branch of Protestant theology emphasizing free will, which Puritans viewed as a pathway to Catholicism.
What is Puritanism?
Puritanism is a movement within Protestantism that sought to “purify” the Church of England of Catholic influences.
What are the Articles of Religion?
They are a set of doctrinal principles established in the Church of England. Montagu’s writings were accused of contradicting these principles.
What was the role of the Serjeant at Arms in the Montagu controversy?
The Serjeant at Arms, a parliamentary officer, enforced orders such as arrests, including Montagu’s.
How does the Montagu controversy illustrate the conflict between prerogative and parliamentary authority?
It exemplifies the broader struggle between Charles I’s belief in divine right monarchy and Parliament’s attempts to limit royal authority, with religious divisions exacerbating constitutional tensions.
How did Montagu’s appointment reflect broader tensions?
His appointment symbolized Charles’s reliance on Arminians, linking religious divisions with political conflicts.
What was the impact of Charles I dissolving Parliament in 1626?
The dissolution protected Montagu but stoked fears of authoritarianism and increased distrust between the king and Parliament.
What does the Montagu controversy reveal about Charles I’s reign?
It reveals the intersection of religious and political tensions, with perceptions of Arminian favoritism undermining the king’s support and contributing to Parliament’s grievances.
Why is the Montagu controversy significant in the context of the English Civil War?
It shows how religious disputes could escalate into broader constitutional crises, challenging arbitrary government and setting the stage for later conflicts.
