The Anglican Church and Puritanism Flashcards
How did James I view the Anglican Church?
James I supported the Anglican Church as a means of maintaining order and stability in the kingdom. He believed in the authority of bishops, famously stating, “No Bishop, No King,” reflecting his belief that the church’s hierarchy supported royal power.
What was the religious position of the Anglican Church at the start of James I’s reign?
The Anglican Church was the established state church in England, adhering to Protestant doctrines under the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, with James I as its supreme
Who were the Puritans, and what did they want to change in the Anglican Church?
The Puritans were a group of Protestants who sought to “purify” the Anglican Church by removing remnants of Catholic practices and rituals, advocating for a simpler, more Scripture-based form of worship.
What was the Hampton Court Conference (1604)?
The Hampton Court Conference was called by James I to address the grievances of the Puritans. While some minor reforms were accepted, James rejected most of their demands, reaffirming the authority of the Anglican Church and bishops.
What was the result of the Hampton Court Conference for the Puritans?
The Puritans were largely disappointed, as James I refused their calls for the abolition of bishops and radical reforms. However, the conference did lead to the commissioning of the King James Bible in 1611, a concession to their desire for a new English translation of the Bible.
How did James I’s support for the Anglican Church affect his relationship with Puritans?
James’s strong support for the Anglican Church and rejection of Puritan demands caused growing discontent among Puritans, leading to divisions between those who accepted the established church and more radical separatists who sought to break away entirely.
What was the significance of the King James Bible (1611) for both the Anglican Church and Puritans?
The King James Bible was a significant achievement that satisfied both Anglicans and Puritans, as it provided an authoritative English translation of the Bible, which was crucial for Protestant worship and teaching.
How did James I respond to non-conformity within the Anglican Church?
James was tolerant of moderate dissent but opposed radical non-conformity. He enforced conformity to the Book of Common Prayer and punished those who refused to attend Anglican services, including Puritans and Catholic recusants.
What were the main Puritan grievances during James I’s reign?
Puritans were concerned with the continuation of Catholic-style practices in the Anglican Church, such as the wearing of vestments, the use of the sign of the cross in baptism, and kneeling to receive communion. They also opposed the hierarchical structure of bishops.
What was the impact of James I’s religious policies on the Puritan movement?
James’s failure to enact significant reforms led to a split within the Puritan movement, with some remaining within the Church of England to push for change from within, while more radical groups, like the Separatists, sought to establish their own independent congregations.
How did the Gunpowder Plot (1605) affect religious policy towards both Catholics and Puritans?
The Gunpowder Plot heightened anti-Catholic sentiment and led James to tighten laws against Catholic recusants. At the same time, it reinforced James’s commitment to maintaining order through the Anglican Church, further marginalizing radical Puritans.
How did the Anglican Church function as a tool for James I’s political power?
The Anglican Church, with its hierarchical structure and alignment with the monarchy, was used by James I to promote social and political stability, ensuring loyalty to the crown and suppressing dissent.
How did the rise of Arminianism affect the relationship between the Anglican Church and Puritans?
Arminianism, which emphasized free will and ritual in worship, became more influential in the Anglican Church towards the end of James I’s reign, worrying Puritans who viewed it as a return to Catholic-style practices and a threat to Calvinist Protestantism.
What role did bishops play in James I’s religious policy?
Bishops were central to James’s religious policy, as they not only upheld the hierarchy of the Anglican Church but also acted as political and religious authorities who supported royal power. Puritans opposed the role of bishops, advocating for a Presbyterian system instead.
What was the long-term impact of James I’s religious policies on Puritanism?
James I’s refusal to accommodate Puritan demands led to growing Puritan frustration. By the end of his reign, many Puritans became more radical, setting the stage for greater religious conflict during the reign of his son, Charles I.
