Dbq Reformation

Question #6: Was the Reformation in England more a matter of politics or true faith?

The stage for reformation in England was set by economic, political and religious factors that had been brewing for a long time. Some of the causes of the revolution included discontentment among both the laymen and nobles, corruption and the Roman Catholic church political climate (McKay et al., 2014). Most of all, the self-serving and pervasive attitude of King Henry VIII is what had a significant impact and ultimately led to the reformation in England (McKay et al., 2014). For this reason, I believe the reformation was both a matter of politics and true faith. Even so, it was more of politically motivated than a matter of true faith.

As for politics, Henry VIII’s reformation moves can be said to have been successful politically, given that there had been attempts in the past towards the same. It is noteworthy that there was no peace between England and Rome for a long time,

evidenced by the Wycliffe rebellion that laid a foundation for the protests in England (Elton, 1977). Also, the temperament of Henry VIII after the pope failed to annul his marriage to Catherine in order for him to marry Anne Boleyn, whom he had fallen in love with proves beyond doubt that his moves were politically motivated. The succession of the throne was the main reason as to why Henry VIII had to secretly marry Anne. He wanted an heir to the throne and his current wife Catherine had not given him a son. He even went ahead to replace Lord Chancellor of England who advised him to rebel the Catholic Church in order to completely annul the marriage to Catherine. He, therefore, heeded this advice and was crowned the head of the Church of England (Elton, 1977).
On matters faith, the protest was further enhanced by Anne Boleyn who was deeply religious. One of the questions raised by her included why the Catholics prayed for the dead, the liquidation and closure of monasteries which she was against and why they sold indulgences. Her influence on Henry considerably contributed to bringing about the reformation in England (McKay et al., 2014). This reformation in 1534 is what changed Christianity in England to date.

Question #7: Which Protestant Reformation leaders most influenced the Roman Catholic Church's response?
Since Martin Luther’s critique of the Roman Catholic Church had become a form of the denomination in England, the Catholic Church had to respond in a period that has been known as the counter-reform period (McKay et al., 2014).

This period was characterized by the Catholic Church’s attempt to stop the spread of Protestantism (Elton, 1977). Institution measures such as the Jesuits which was the Society of Jesus, the inquisition that defined the church practices and the council of Trent, were set (McKay et al., 2014). The council of Trent was a conferences series that were aimed at the definition of the catholic beliefs versus the protestant beliefs. The council was led by Pius IV, Julius IIII, and Paul III who were catholic popes (Elton, 1977). Another characteristic of this period was the establishment of new schools with an objective of training the clergy in the ways that they could challenge the protestant beliefs successfully, although they were not able to stop Protestantism (McKay et al.,

2014).
Next, there were Jesuits in the Society of Jesus who were a representation of the men’s order in the Catholic Church and were full supporters of the Catholic doctrines (McKay et al., 2014). This society was founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola together with his other champions that were six in number. They were bound by personal integrity and poverty vows. It was later confirmed in 1540 by Pope Paul (McKay et al., 2014). They were like missionaries that had to travel all over the world to spread Catholicism. Most of them have been canonized by the church such as Isaac Jogues, Peter Canisius, and Robert Bellarmine.
Lastly, there was the inquisition that was a papacy set up by Pope Gregory IX. Its major objective was to look out for, try and punish those that went against the Catholic belief. The penalties ranged from imprisonment to prayer and fasting. Another Spanish inquisition was authorized in 1478 by Pope Sixtus IV. The inquisition has later been criticized by the same Catholics as a violator of the contemporary justice standards (McKay et al., 2014).

References
Elton, G. R. (1977). Reform and Reformation: England, 1509-1558 (No. 146). Harvard University Press.
McKay, J. P., Hill, B. D., Buckler, J., Crowston, C. H., Weisner-Hanks, M. E., & Perry, J. (2014). A history of Western society: From antiquity to the enlightenment (11th ed., Vol. 1). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s.