Lecture 1: The English Reformation

Introduction

• Understanding Methodism requires understanding the English Reformation.
• Christianity introduced in England in the 6th century by St. Augustine of Canterbury.
• England's unique national identity influenced by:
  • Island separation from Europe.
  • Nationalistic and monarchy-centric religious culture.
  • Resistance to papal authority.

Historical Context

• King Henry VIII (1509-1547): Key figure in English Reformation.
• Unlike the Magisterial Reformation in Europe, the English Reformation was not theological but concerned with authority.
• Henry VIII's desire for a male heir led to a break from the Roman Catholic Church.
• Act of Supremacy established the Church of England, making the monarch the supreme head.
  • Initially, the Church remained mostly Roman Catholic in practice.

Developments in the Church of England

• 1546: Publication of the Book of Homilies by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer.
  • Collection of sermons establishing correct theology.
• Reign of King Edward VI (1547-1553):
  • Church becomes more Protestant.
  • 1549: Publication of the Book of Common Prayer.
  • 1553: Introduction of the 42 Articles of Religion by Cranmer.
  • Influences from European Reformers, particularly Calvinism.
• Queen Mary I (1553-1558):
  • Restored Roman Catholic Church.
  • Persecution of reformers, gaining the name "Bloody Mary."
  • Reformers exiled to Geneva.

The Elizabethan Settlement

• Queen Elizabeth I (1558-1603):
  • Restored Church of England's autonomy from Rome with compromises.
  • Elizabethan Settlement (1559):
    • Act of Supremacy: Elizabeth as Supreme Governor, not head.
    • Act of Uniformity: Established Book of Common Prayer, 39 Articles of Religion, Book of Homilies as theological sources.
  • Stability during her reign known as the "Golden Age."

Tensions and Defense of the Church

• Dissatisfactions from Roman Catholics and Puritans.
• Puritans sought further reforms to purify the church.
• Richard Hooker's "Laws of Ecclesiastical Polity": Defense of the Via Media (middle way) church model.
  • Prescribed authority in practice and thought: Scripture, tradition, and reason.
• Connection to the Methodist "quadrilateral."

Important Documents

• Book of Homilies: Guide for clergy sermons.
• Book of Common Prayer: Worship guide for the Church of England.
• 42/39 Articles of Religion: Defined Christian orthodoxy for the Church.
• Geneva Bible and Foxe's Book of Martyrs: Influential documents from returning exiles.