The end of divine right monarchy and a confessional state

Question 1

Was England a confessional state by 1688?

Answer 1

No

Question 2

Confessional state in 1625

Answer 2

In 1625 - complete uniformity of practice wasn’t enforced - but concept of a single national religion was upheld by govt power
- So widely accepted as to be unchallengeable

• Number who opposed so few - those who didn’t conform accepted right of the state to punish them - paid their fines - accepted ejection or left country
• Vast majority who didn’t conform did so - as they disliked the particular version that was imposed

Question 3

Status of the confessional state by 1640?

Answer 3

1640 - those questioning confessional state - sufficiently numerous and organised to bring about collapse of authority in religion
- During Civil War - others explored and debated alternatives to Church of England of Charles I

• Many radical groups pushed for end to divine right monarchy - some wanted to end all traditional state institutions - debate led to change in role of monarchy

The concept of uniformity was challenged

Question 4

Status of the confessional state in 1660

Answer 4

• Restored in 1660 - but intervening years of increasing freedom and toleration strengthen opposition - couldn’t be eradicated.

Growing number of thinkers questioned the necessity of compulsion - some argued political loyalty didn’t depend upon agreement over religion

Question 5

What is the impact of these thinkers who challenge the idea of compulsion?

Answer 5

Lays the seeds of secular state - govt concerned w/ non-religious matters - religion part of private domain

Question 6

Status of confessional state by 1688?

Answer 6

James II attempted to establish confessional state - many who opposed did so for secular reasons
- Attempts to re-impose confessional state would fail

After GR - monarchy changed forever - subject to law - idea was espoused by thinkers such as Locke

Tories and Whigs still argued about monarch’s place in church and govt

Question 7

How had opinions of clergymen shifted by 1688?

Answer 7

• Richard Claridge - rector of Peopleton in Worcestershire - announced to his congregation that God shouldn’t have role in civil govt - govt should be formed by people

Arminian priest - Daniel Whitby - wrote that no single individual could claim to rule by divine right - God never intended it.