- Question
What were the causes of the English Reformation?
The English Reformation in the 16th century began when Henry VIII was not able to divorce his wife. The English Reformation was part of a larger European movement, fuelled by the printing press and a number of charismatic theologians.
Henry VIII's divorce caused the English Reformation
The English Reformation happened primarily because Henry VIII could not get a divorce. Prior to his fallout with the catholic church over his marriage, Henry was declared defender of the faith. His decision was not based on conscience but on pragmatism. Henry was autocratic by nature and did not want the pope to control him.
Widespread discontent with the catholic church caused the English Reformation
With the invention of the printing press, many new ideas about the catholic church spread amongst the general populace. The English Bible, translated by William Tyndale was particularly revolutionary. The church was seen as corrupt, hypocritical, and not in alignment with scripture. The bottom-up school of thought sees the Reformation as a widespread ground-swell of anti-Catholic ideas.
Notable figures close to Henry VIII pushed for a break with Rome
Many important people around Henry VIII including two of his wives were highly influential. Thomas Cromwell and his appointment Archbishop Cranmer were committed to Protestantism and reform. The top-down school of thought sees the Reformation as a political project coming from educated elites in Henry's court.
Later Tudor monarchs consolidated Henry's Reformation in England
During King Henry VIII's reign, the Reformation was unpopular among large sections of the population in England. Later Protestant monarchs, such as Edward VI, and Elizabeth I, continued Henry's reforms more successfully. Advocates of the 'slow Reformation', believe Henry and his courtiers had little impact on belief and that it took a long time for England to accept a genuine Protestant Reformation.