James and Religion
Hampton court confrence
James was presented with millenary petition, signed by over a thousand church ministers
This was a moderate document that outlined puritain greviances and called for an improvement in the clerical standard and changes to the style of worship
Demands/issues
sign of the cross in baptism
use of clerical vestements
lack of sermons and preaching
bowing at the name of Jesus
existence of popish aspects within the church such as sign of the cross when baptising
Church songs and music to be made plainer
Wanted a new translation of the bible
Outcomes
When bishops came under attack he defended them to an extent, but persuaded them to accept a number of reforms to appease the moderate puritans yet isolate the extremeists
He agreed that there should be a preaching minister for every parish and that Pluralism should be limited
Bishops were to have less power
New translation of the Bible
Arminianism
Ideology
How was balance preserved
He appointed moderate calvinist bishops who set good preaching examples
Sabbatarianism
extreme Puritans believed to should be a day of total rest with nothing
WHen James found out in 1617 that activities such as Morris dancing were banned in some areas, he issued a proclamation saying that all sports were allowed after church
1618 book of sportsexteneded this to the whole country. He was trying to encourage people away from the drinking taverns and tobacco habits, which he hated
Hardore puritans still rejected this and continued to strictly observe the sabbath
opposed to the double pre destination of calvinism
the closest part of protestantism to catholcism
wanted more exotic (Catholic Church services containing vestments and churches with stain glass widows)
Some arminians became bishops such as Lancelot Andrewes who became Bishop of Durham in 1617, and later became part of the privy council
some Arminians also wan royal patronage, such as Andrewes
Believed in a much greater importance of bishops
James was pressured by Buckingham and Charles to add more Armenian bishops, however he kept the number low, just so it gave some balance
Such as Buckingham pushing the ascension of William Laud
Growing Puritain opposition
Growth of arminianism in the Church and in James' advisors
Fears of Catholicism
Historical fears about the persecution of protestants since Mary 1, and fears of the similarity between Amrininianism and catholicism
James mother was catholic
Wife had just converted
Foeriegn policy
Spanish match would reinforce catholicism in England
This brought about a rise in radical pamphlets etc
James tried to calm rumours and appease them by compesentating by appointing more puritain clergy
Catholicism
James believe that so long as the small amount of catholics were prepared to outwardly follow the rules and attend C of E services, he would turn a blind eye to their secret masses
James also didnt believe in religious persecution
GUNPOWDER PLOT 1605
Catholic plot led by Robert Catesby to blow up the king durning a session of parliament
The plot failed and most were either arrested or killed in fighting after they fled. Guido Fawkes was arrested on the scene.
Impact
Fawkes was tortured into confession
Parliament responded with joy to the news as they believed James would now be harsher against catholics
Legislation against catholics
Forbidden doctors or lawyers
Homes could be searched at will
Could not travel without permission
Fined if they did not take communion from a protestant minister at least 3 times a year
recusants could have up to 2/3 of their property confiscated
These impacts were mostly short lived, as what was happening in Europe determined James Policy towards Catholics to a greater extent
Such as Spanish match or assassination of Henry IV france in 1610
Most of his policies were determined by actions in `Europesuch as the assassination of Henry 4 of France or when he was negotiating with spain/spanish match