The English Reformation

The English Reformation

1. Initially, as the reformation spread across Germany, the English led by Henry Vlll, were very much against it

   • Political consideration led Henry Vlll to reconsider his position.
   • Henry Vlll was married to Catherine of Aragon, Charles V, Emperer of the HRE and King Spain was her nephew.
     • She couldn't have kids.
     • At first everything was going fine until Catherine couldn't give Henry a son and only ended up producing one sickly girl, Mary (bloody Mary)
       • Henry wanted a divorce but it was not permitted and she didn't agree so Henry sought out an annulment from the Pope of their 18 year marriage.
         • He argued that Catherine had already married his brother
         • The pope, fearful of alienating Charles V, refused Henry's request.
           • Henry was enraged and "asked" church officials in England for an annulment.
             • The highest church official in England, the Archbishop of Canterbury grants Henry the annulment in 1533.
               • It allowed Henry to marry Anne Botelyn, who had Elizabeth three months later.
               • He married Anne Boleyn who had Elizabeth three months later/

2. Hmw notes:

   • The leader was Queen Elizabeth I
     • The Anglican+protestant churches were similar to the Catholic church in doctrines and ceremonies.
       • other protestantism +reformations were happening in other countries
   • Huldrych Zwingli (catholic priest) began religious reforms- influenced by Eurasmus and Luther
     • he attacked/abused in catholic church+ wanted to go back to early christianity- more freedom for people.
       • his reforms were adapted in Zurich churches.
       • in 1531, a war broke out between swist protestants and catholics, leading to his death
         • Calvinism-- John Calivin was a law student playing with interpretation on religion.
           • he helped to convince people to support Luther
             • He made a book called institutes of the Christian religion (god, salvation, human nature)
               • He believed that God only saved a few people called the elect (no indulgences)
                 • This doctrine is predestination
                   • his religion was Calvinism
           • Calvin leads the Reformation in Switzerland
             • theocracy was the best government (ruled by religious leaders)
             • Protestants wanted him to rule so he did---- his leadership was very strict but was though of as model city/citizens.
   • Calvinism Spreads
     • John Knox put his ideas to work.
       • Each community church was governed by a group of lay men (called elders or presbyters)-- his followers were called presbyterians.
         • In the late 1560s, protestant nobles made Calvinism the religion.