Background to the reformation

Histiography to the reformation

The reformation = CofE's transfer from Catholicism to ProtestantismPeriod began with Henry 8th's break with Rome and was completed (hiccup with Mary Tudor) with Elizabeth 1st

Number of interpretations about how this transformation was achieved:The Top-Down ApproachEmphasis on actions of monarchy in legislating change within the church. Led to very narrative structure of discussion, outcome almost pre-determined.The Bottom-Up ApproachProtestant thought had become thoroughly part of popular mentality. Reformation was a process, not an event, but is flawed as it assumes Protestantism spread quickly and effectively. The Revisionist ApproachRefutes Bottom-Up thesis. Protestant beliefs spread slowly, and took a while to replace historical attachment to the institutions and doctrines of Catholicism. Not one, but many reformers. General conclusions on the historiographyIn 1970/80s historians recognised that, by the time of H8s death in 1547, no irreversible change had been made to the church. Later, in the Tudor period, MT enthusiastically rescinded Ed6's moves towards Protestantism, as El1 later reversed MT moves towards restoring a fully Catholic institution. It makes

Background to the BWR: politics of church & state

Before the Roman Emperor converted to Christianity - state expected to control the churchConstantine converted to Christianity (312AD) - joined the state to an organisation with existing leadership (successors of the apostles chosen by Christ, eg Pope/Bishops, to save mankind)Hierarchy could not accept subordination in religious matters to a merely temporal leader:Pope>Cardinal>Archbishop>Bishop>Priest or Abbott/Abbess>Monk/Nun

Whether or not a spiritual conversion - open to conjecture