Section 1, Chapter 3 Flashcards
Early reformers and Humanists
Who were the Lollards?
- Lollardy was a term of abuse given to those who followed John Wycliffe in the 14th century.
- Most Lollards tended to be craftsmen or merchants nearly all of whom were literate.
- They were regarded as heretics so most Lollards still went to parish churches so none one would be suspicious of them.
What were the beliefs of the Lollards?
- Christianity should be based on the Bible and not the interpretations of priests, everyone should have their own copy of the bible in English.
- People should be able to have their own relationship with God without the help of the priests.
- Lollards did not believe in transubstantiation.
- Lollards also believed in predestination.
What happened to the Lollards by the 16th century?
By the 16th century it had become an underground movement and is difficult to say how widespread the movement was by the reign of Henry VIII.
Key people in the Lollard movement?
→ John Wycliffe: educated at Oxford, Wycliffe was influence by the Renaissance movement and the idea of return to original texts. His work ‘Summa Theologiae’ explored religious beliefs and attacked the Church.
Where did Lutheranism begin?
The movement began in Germany with Martin Luther’s 95 thesis.
What area in England still contained Lollards in the 16th century?
In High Wycombe Lollards met to discuss radical ideas.
Beliefs of Lutherans?
The soul was benefited by faith alone rather than with good works encouraged by the Catholic church.
What role did Tyndale have in Lutheranism?
→ Tynedale raised the controversial idea of royal supremacy. He argued the power should come from the people. Writing in 1528 in his book ‘Obedience of a Christian Man’ Tyndale argued, based on the law of Moses, the God required people to obey their ruler, meaning the monarch should be head of the Church. He also translated passages of the Bible into English.
Other individuals involved in the Lutheranism movement?
Simon Fish
Was Lutheranism popular in England?
The arrival of Lutheran ideas and England relates to the circulation of book. An Oxford bookseller recorded the sale of 12 books by Luther in 1520 - this suggests to movement had support as 12 copied sold by one seller is a lot for the time.
Why did Humanism gain more support than previous new religious ideas?
→ The printing press: more widely distributed messages.
→ Popular with powerful people: Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon were both Humanists.
→ Less radical: the beliefs were less radial than previous movements.
What were the beliefs of the Humanists?
Humanists believed in the basic principles of the Catholic faith, what they sought to do is purify the ideas of religion from errors which developed through translations.
Key figures of the Humanist movement?
→ Erasmus: A Dutch humanist that used humanist techniques to prepare new Latin and Greek edition to the New Testament. Critical of some Catholic practices but remained committed to Catholicism.
→ John Colet: A leading theologian and Dean of St Paul’s cathedral in London. He was highly critical many practices the church.
→ Thomas Moore: A lawyer and advisor to Henry VIII. He earned a reputation as a leading humanist scholar and a fervent Catholic.
Why was Henry given the title of ‘Defender of the Faith’?
As he had attacked Martin Luther and his ideas.
