THE REFORMATION

 

THE REFORMATION

Introduction

 The Reformation was a world- wide religious movement. It started in Germany and spread to other nations.

The Reformation in Germany

The Pope and other dignitaries of the church led luxurious lives. They did not show any interest in preaching or in promoting the welfare of congregation. As a result, people had dissatisfaction against the church. In the meantime, Pope Julius decided to construct a grand new Basilica by demolishing the old medieval church. The next Pope Leo X, was ready to pardon the sinners if they donated money towards the construction of St.Peter’s Basilica. People who had the superstitious belief were ready to pay money to the Pope to escape from their sins. A German monk by name Martin Luther objected to the commercialization of the church. He prepared ninety-five objections against the practice of church. All the protesters against the corrupt Roman Church stood behind Luther. Thus was born the Protestant religion.

The Reformation in England

The German Reformation was due to Martin Luther’s doctrinal clash with the Pope, whereas in England the clash was purely due to personal reasons. In the beginning the English King Henry VIII was a strong supporter of Pope Leo X. He showed his loyalty to the Pope by banning Luther’s controversial works in England. He also published his ‘Assertion of the Seven Sacraments’ rebutting Luther’s charges point by point. The Pope was pleased of the King’s support and bestowed the title Defender of the Faith on Henry.

     The harmonious relationship between Henry with Rome was broken when the King wanted to divorce his wife Catherine of Rome and marry Anne Boleyn. The Pope did not grant permission to the proposal, so the king decided to cut down his relationship with the Pope. He convened a Parliament which was favourable to him. It came to be called the Reformation Parliament. He passed a series of Acts which curtailed the powers of the Pope. By passing the Act of Supremacy in 1534, Henry became the supreme head of the Church in England. Sir Thomash More and Bishop Fisher adamantly refused to accept the supremacy of Henry. They were beheaded and their heads were displayed on London Bridge to threaten all dissenters into submission. This incident turned people against Henry

Dissolution of monasteries

Henry dissolved all the monasteries and seized their wealth. To show himself as a supporter of Catholic he passed some articles in favour of Catholics.

Reformation during Edward VI regime

The next king Edward VI followed Henry’s footprint. He dissolved the chantries also. In 1549, the prayer book prepared by Archbishop Cranmer was prescribed. The prayer book contained nothing new.

Reformation during Mary Tudor regime

She abolished the English Prayer book enforced by Edward VI. She tried to wipe out Protestantism by burning its supporters. Among three hundred people who were burnt were John Roger, Cranmer and the preacher Latimer. These ruthless measures earned her the nick name ‘Bloody Mary’. She was succeeded by Elizabeth

Reformation during Elizabeth regime

Elizabeth took measures to correct the mistakes committed by Henry VIII and Mary. At the same time she was particular about maintaining the sovereignty of England. Later, the Roman church was stripped of its powers gradually by successive rulers. Through her mild measures Queen Elizabeth established the superiority of the Church of England to the Roman Church. She did not beheaded or burn anybody, so she was adored by the people.