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Henry VIII Religion - Coggle Diagram
Henry VIII Religion
Why did Henry break from Rome?
Divorce
Arguments for divorce as the key factor
Henry's desire for a male heir
: his marriage to Catherine of Aragon had not produced one, and he became convinced it was cursed
He believed his marriage was invalid in gods eyes because he was previously married to his brother, Arthur
He thought marrying Anne Boleyn might secure a son
Catherine refused to accept the invalidity of their marriage which led Henry to seek an annulment from the pope
The Pope's refusal to grant the annulment, largely due to pressure from Charles V (Catherine's nephew), created a direct confrontation between Henry and the papacy
Arguments against divorce as the key factor
While Henry's desire for divorce was genuine, the Pope's refusal was only part of the issue
Henry had already begun to question papal authority and its role in English affairs, with his frustration extending beyond this personal issue
Political factors were also significant, as Henry was becoming more independent and aimed to assert control over religious matters in England, viewing the popes power as a challenge to his authority
Doctrine
Argument For Doctrine as a Key Factor:
The broader context of the Reformation in Europe is crucial, with ideas from Martin Luther and other reformers questioning the Pope's centrality and Church authority spreading by the time Henry perused his Divorce
Henry had initially been a defender of Catholic orthodoxy, writing against Luther and earning the title "Defender of the faith"
However, his views evolved, and his personal needs (securing a legitimate male heir) led him to challenge papal authority
As he separated from Rome, he also embraced more reformist religious views, especially as it suited his political and personal goals
Argument Against Doctrine as the Key Factor:
Henry's break from Rome was not primarily driven by a desire for Church reform but rather by political control and securing his own power.
The theological shift towards Protestantism was a consequence of breaking from Rome, not necessarily the primary cause.
Even after the break, Henry maintained many traditional Catholic practices in England, such as the use of Latin in the Mass and doctrines like transubstantiation, indicating his break was more about governance than theology.
Dosh
Argument For Money as a Key Factor:
Breaking from Rome allowed Henry VIII to seize control of the vast wealth and property held by the Church in England.
The dissolution of the monasteries significantly increased royal coffers, enhancing both his financial and political power.
It allowed Henry to redirect funds (tithes and taxes) previously collected by Rome directly to the crown, increasing his autonomy and wealth.
By creating the Church of England, Henry could assert control over English religious resources and reduce the Church's influence on daily life and politics.
This financial independence from Rome was key to solidifying his rule.
Argument Against Money as the Key Factor:
The break from Rome was not initially a financial decision; the dissolution of monasteries, which provided significant revenue, occurred after the break and was driven by a desire for control rather than simply financial gain.
The early stages of the split were more focused on asserting Henry's personal and political authority.
Henry could have pursued other financial strategies without breaking from Rome, such as reforms within the existing Catholic system or through alliances and taxation.
How far did the Church change under Henry VIII
Leadership and Authority of the church
Change:
Break with Rome (1534):
Henry declared himself Supreme head of the Church of England through the Act of Supremacy. This marked a radical shift in religious authority
Key evidence:
Act of Supremacy (1534)
Act in Restraint of Appeals (1533)
Execution of Thomas More (1535)
Treason act (1534) - made denial of royal supremacy punishable by death
Dissolution of Papal Power:
The Act in Restraint of Appeals (1533) ended legal applicants to the pope, asserting the kings final authority
Execution of Thomas More (1535):
Symbolised the personal cost of resisting royal religious authority
Continuity:
Royal control rather than reformist theology: Henry replaced the Pope but did not embrace Protestant ideology. He saw himself as a Catholic monarch with no need for papal interference.
Key Evidence:
Henry's title: "Defender of the Faith" (granted by the Pope in 1521)
Bishops like Stephen Gardiner retained influence
No widespread replacement of Catholic clergy
Clerical hierarchy remained intact: Bishops and archbishops retained their positions, and the administrative structure stayed similar.
Doctrine and Beliefs of the Church
Change:
Ten Articles (1536):
Introduced some
Protestant-influenced ideas,
like justification by faith and reduction in scarcements seven to three
The Bible in English (1539): The Great Bible was the first authorised English Bible, allowing laypeople to access scripture directly.
Key Evidence
Ten Articles (1536)
Bishops book (1537)
The Great Bible (1539)
Royal Injunctions: Encouraged sermons on royal supremacy and discouraged pilgrimage and relics.
Continuity:
Six Articles (1539): Reinforced key Catholic doctrines such as transubstantiation, clerical celibacy, and confession.
Doctrinal ambiguity: Henry oscillated between Protestant and Catholic elements, maintaining a theologically conservative stance.
Key Evidence:
Six Articles (1539)
Execution of Protestant reformers like Anne Askew (1546)
Henry’s personal devotion to the Mass and confession
Persecution of both Protestants and Catholics: Demonstrates Henry’s commitment to religious control, not doctrinal revolution.
Practices and Church Structure
Change:
Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536–1540): One of the most profound structural and financial changes; monastic life ended, and monastic lands were seized and sold.
Pilgrimage discouraged and shrines destroyed (e.g. St Thomas Becket's shrine, 1538).
Key Evidence:
Valor Ecclesiasticus (1535) – survey of church wealth before dissolution
Injunctions against pilgrimages and images (1536, 1538)
Destruction of Becket’s shrine (1538)
Images and relics were removed from some churches under Cromwell’s reforms.
Continuity:
Mass and sacraments remained central: Despite some attacks on superstition, core religious services continued in much the same form.
Parish churches largely unchanged: Though some images were removed, the layout and practices of most churches looked similar until Edward VI’s reign.
Key Evidence:
Masses for the dead continued
Henry’s will requested prayers for his soul
Latin remained in use in services until late in his reign
Church calendar and festivals continued to be observed.