Section 08

Reformation in England

Reached back to the foutheenth century or earlier

The old social, political, and economic order was passing

Pluralism and absentee enjoyment of the revenues of benefits were common.

Scholasticism and scholastic theology were beginning to be out of fashion.

Lollardy had never completely died out.

Moves towards Reformation

The writings of Luther were not long in reaching Oxford and Cambridge.

William Tyndale (1494-1536) was the most influential.

Formed the purpose of putting the New Testament into English.

Utilizing the Hebrew text, the Vulgate, the Septuagint, and Luther’s Bible.

In 1528 Issued The Parable of the Wicked Mammon, flatly for justification by faith, used most of text of Luther’s sermon.

Henry VIII (1491-1547)

Set the Church of England on its independent course.

Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556) was to have a major part in carrying out the Reformation in the Church of England.

Parliament abolished the payment to the Pope of Annates.

Was prepared for ecclesiastical office when brother died

Convocation also undertook not to enact any canon affecting the laity without royal approval

Henry made himself autocrat in both Church and State.

Edward VI

Policies during his reign were determined by his seniors.

England was carried towards Protestantism.

In 1553, “42 Articles of Religion,” giving the doctrinal position of his Church of England, were issued under authority of king.

Their formulation was largely the work of Thomas Cranmer.

The paraphrases of the Psalms began to have wide currency, their chief pioneer was Thomas Sternhold.

The use of the revised Book of Common Prayer was made compulsory.

The Catholic Reaction

Mary reigned for 5 years, from1553 to 1558.

Elizabeth reigned for half a century from 1558 to 1603.

James, son of Mary Stuart “Queen of Scots,” got the throne.

Roman Catholicism was being discreted and Puritanism was growing.

Separatists and Independents continued and grew, although still small minorities.

Lancelot Andrews (1556-1636) may be remembered for his Devotions composed in Greek.

The Glorious Revolution of 1688

John Locke (1632-1704 - his treaties on Government went far to shape the governments of Europe and United States.

The Reformation had not purified the religious life of the country or the church.

Life of the time was finding expression in hymns

The Bill of Rights was enacted in 1689.

In 1714 the Schism Act was passed.

In 1730s there began the Great Awakening in the English colonies in America.