Abstract The paper looks at the development of the Church of England from its beginnings as an English version of Roman Catholicism, to its later establishment as Protestant English, the basis of both Church and State in England. The paper asks why the counter-reformation failed under Mary Tudor, and how the Church established its law. It also examines in what respects and to what extent had the Church of England by 1553 became a Protestant Church.
From the Paper "The church in England by 1553 had passed through a series of phases from the time of Henry VIII's 'Great Matter' to the death of his son Edward. By examining the different actions taken over the years we can begin to see how the church changed from Henry's view of an Anglican Catholic institution, unconnected with the strident, evangelical Protestantism of Germany to a Protestant church in England which would survive the attempted counter-Reformation of Queen Mary. The Church of England was founded on a basis that was both clerical and secular, and was enforced on the people by methods that were in turn both harsh and more circumspect. We will examine both types of methods and look at the role played by the bishops of England, the people of the country and by those who possessed lay power in the Council and magistracies."
Abstract This paper clearly interprets event and actions leading up the German and English reformations of the 16th century. It begins on the topic of Germany and its catalyst feudal systems and religious overlords, and goes on to study the works of martin Luther and his conniving methods and perseverance to proceed with his reformation through his 95-theses to eventually win the hearts of fed up peasants, merchants growing rich off the New World, greedy nobility, and challenge the authority of the Church and Pope. This paper also discusses the reformation of England started by King Henry VIII. It discusses in detail how Henry VIII invented his own hybrid religion, infused it into his own country to build national unity and to suit his own desires, and was excommunicated from the Catholic Church all while making himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This paper looks at societal cause and effects such as the printing press which allowed lower classes to become more educated, bible translations to common languages that allowed the lower classes to step past the clergy to speak freely with God, new merchant opportunities in the New World, and political gains of money and land.
From the Paper "In Sixteenth-century Europe, the material world was becoming increasingly distinct and spiritual ideals more confused, as the printing press spread information and humanist studies inspired ideas of doctrinal difference. The nations were becoming even more conscious of their nationalities, and the faithful were pained about the short comings of society and of the church. From the beginning the impulse to reform the Church had mingled with political currents. The spiritual impulse was dominated by dynastic intrigue, greed, and war, and in the end national politics determined the fate of the Reformation all over Europe. What began in a mood of spiritual piety had its triumph in the rearrangement of secular power."
The paper examines the relationship between Crown and Church from the appointment of Archbishop Grindal in 1576 to the death of Archbishop Bancroft in 1610.
Abstract An examination of the interdependency of the Church and State in late Tudor and early Stuart England. The paper looks at how the Church and State were used in tandem to suppress opposition; and how religious beliefs impacted upon loyalty (or perceived loyalty) to the state.
From the Paper ""Religion is the ground on which all other matters ought to take root". These words, spoken by Elizabeth to Parliament, neatly summarize the interdependency between Church and State in the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The quotation in the title implies that there ought to be a distinction between religious beliefs and the proper exercise of political power, when in fact there was no such separation in the eyes of Elizabeth and, later, James I. The history of this period is one of conflicting beliefs between the wings of the established church and the constant pressure by the Presbyterians and Puritan sects to reform the church and hence change the nature of the government of the country. This period also sees the attempts to suppress the radical teachings of Barrow and others, which were equated with sedition and treason, in order to maintain a conformity of worship if not necessarily of belief."
Abstract This paper examines the reasons behind the eventual creation of the Church of England by King Henry VIII. It discusses how, although problems with the Catholic Church did exist, on the whole society believed in its central teachings, participated in its operations and invested heavily, both emotionally and financially, in its future right up to and beyond the Parliament of 1529.
From the Paper "Much of the reason why members of Parliament, who as lawyers and merchants had particular grievances with the Cardinal, allowed proceedings within the House to escalate - to the point that the Church itself was placed under the spotlight - might be sought in the satisfaction they drew from puncturing the taboo that the Church was beyond reproach. More plausibly, however, Parliament's eagerness to ridicule Wolsey stemmed from circumstances during the previous summer of 1528 when a severe outbreak of sweating illness broke out in London, claiming heavy casualties. A by-product of this epidemic was how it inadvertently contributed to shoring up the coffers of priests rather than doctors, since it led to the payment of more mortuary and probate fees. Such bitter experiences may have conceivably lingered in the mind of parliamentarians as a reason why debates were allowed to reach such venomous proportions. "
Abstract This paper examines how, between 1603 and 1611, James I made many attempts to create a "Jacobethan balance" in his determination to include as many people as possible in his Anglican Church. It looks at how these attempts centered largely around his efforts to separate the extreme Puritans from those who were prepared to conform to his rule and how by well-chosen appointments and discriminating clerical patronage, he successfully guided the Church of England into the middle ground.
From the Paper "The most extreme Puritans referred to themselves as the "Godly Elect", which obviously was some cause for resentment, and believed in Predestination (that they were already destined for a place in heaven) and thus lived very "Godly" lives; they set out to convince themselves of this and so they could interpret any occurrence in ways that suited them and such ideologies. Their deliberate self-separation made them a potential threat, but most Puritans (not all of whom even saw themselves precisely as such) conformed politically as well as religiously (as the King was head of the Church of England, the two were inseparable), similarly to the Closet Catholics, who were also well tolerated in James's reign (some cause of jealousy for the Puritans - Parliament suggested many times that Recusancy Laws be strengthened, mainly as a result of their relaxation in the face of the Spanish (and French) Match, later in James's reign."
Abstract This article explores the themes of religious hypocrisy rife in the literature of eighteenth century England. It utilizes the texts of "The Vicar of Wakefield", "Joseph Andrews", and "The Way of the World" to reveal the convergence of both early novel and constant drama as exposers of the Church of England and its contradictions.
Tags: century, drama, eighteenth, england, literature, novels
Abstract Included are the Church of England, the Catholic religion, the protestant religion, and many types just becoming popular during this period such as Unitarianism, Baptist, Methodist, and such. Included in the discussion is the expansion of England as a dominant force in Europe and its effect on the government's willingness to maintain a low-key attitude about religion. The latter portion of the eighteenth century ushered in a new era of freedom of religion and the key points leading up to this are discussed herein.
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of "West Rock, New Haven" in the context of Frederic Edwin Church's career. A description of the work and summary of the artist's career precede a detailed analysis of the painting. It is argued that this painting marked Church's departure from the style of his master, Thomas Cole, as he stepped into a league all his own. Lingering influences by Cole are discussed, including allegorical images.
From the Paper "Frederic Edwin Church, one of the leaders of the Hudson River School of painting, began his successful career with the unveiling of West Rock, New Haven in 1849. This painting predicted a new stylistic direction for Church, while still containing references to the techniques of his past. Although Church progressed towards more exotic subjects on grander canvases after exhibiting West Rock, New Haven, he continued to employ the same style first demonstrated in this early work of art."
Tags: academy, career, cole, design, destiny, edwin, england, hudson, john, landscape, manifest, national, painting, pastoral, river, ruskin, scene, school, thomas
An analysis of "Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, 1400-1580" and the "Voices of Morebath: Reformation and Rebellion in an English Village" by Eamon Duffy.
Abstract This paper explains how Eamon Duffy, professor in church history at the University of Cambridge, has rewritten history and refutes what is considered a long-kept myth in his two books. It explains that he disputes the story long told by the Protestants of what encouraged the English Reformation in the Middle Ages. An analysis of his two books is provided in the paper.
From the Paper "The Protestant Reformation eventually eliminated this community structure. It abolished devotions to images that were the purpose for much of the financial support. It then took possession of the resources that had been put toward so-called "superstitious" practices. Without this means of supporting the church, Morebath suffered and finally lost most of its involvement by the parishioners.
Yet, as noted previously, the eventual decline of Morebath does not mean that the people immediately went along with the Reformation and quickly forgot hundreds of years of tradition. At the beginning, they were either not discouraged or not moved by the battering rams of the Protestant church. When their chalice was stolen, the young men and women collected for another one. On the very eve of the Reformation in 1533, the statue of Our Lady of Pity was regilt, and a new image was purchased. In addition, in 1535, a new rood, with Our Lady and St. John was commissioned. The parish meeting in the autumn of 1534 did not know that a few days before the theft that Parliament had passed the Act of Supremacy. This made no difference in Morebath. The same was true for the dissolution of the monasteries and the abolishment of the holy days in 1536. Due to their long years of belief, the Catholic followers kept faithful as long as they could."
Abstract This paper presents a look at early childhood education in London, England. It includes a brief history and examines the social, economic, cultural, and technological forces have affected educational changes in England. The paper discusses the variety of educational pedagogies in this system of early childhood education.
From the Paper "The history of the education movement in England can be traced back to the Education Act. This Act ushered in the modern system of education in England. The Act gave rise to a national system of state education but also assured the existence of ..."
Tags: Early Childhood Education, London, England, Brief history of Early Childhood Education in England, The social, economic, cultural, and technological forces have affected educational changes in England. Educational pedagogies in this system of Early Child
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses the Catholic Church. Specifically it discusses the Catholic Church's injustice towards women and women's rights, including domestic violence, women priests, and other matters relevant to women but ignored by the Catholic Church. The paper shows that for centuries, the Catholic Church has been one of the most powerful, wealthiest, and most popular religions in the world. Millions of Catholics worship every week in a church, and donate billions of dollars for Church projects, and millions of these worshippers are women, who are essentially excluded from the Church except for certain roles. In addition, many of these worshipping women live in some of the poorest countries on Earth, facing famine, overpopulation, and lack of education, and yet the Catholic Church will not condone their use of birth control. The paper questions why the Catholic Church is so staunch in its stance against women and women's rights.
From the Paper "Since the Church excludes women from the clergy, there is a sense of extreme maleness and masculinity throughout the Church, from alter boys on up, and it is not surprising that normal, healthy men, even if they are priests, are sexually stimulated. To ignore this is to ignore the problem, and keeping priests celibate seems to simply exacerbate an already difficult situation. When there are predominately men in an organization, where will men turn to fulfill their urges if no one else is available? Since men are not perfect, they have flaws, and if given the opportunity, they may sin. Not recognizing the strain that celibacy puts on priests is simply another doctrine of the Church that is outmoded."
Tags: doctrine, abortion, faith, socialization, Episcopal, Church
Abstract This paper looks at the Church of the United Brethren (UB), which was the very first church denomination in America. The history of the church is detailed, as is its belief system. The differences between this church and the other church establishments that existed at the time are also discussed in detail. The church's belief system is covered in detail, as are the eleven expectations that members of the church are expected to follow. The author also looks at the modern UB, and shows how it is now a worldwide network of congregations.
From the Paper "Members should also follow social standards. A member should be a good citizen of their community, they should take standards against the evil, believe in equal rights and justice for all, agree with the democratic system, affirm the right to serve and bear arms in the National Armed Forces, have the right to refuse to bear arms, advocate abstinence by all people from using tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, attain form gambling, eliminate pornography, be occult, and have decision-making foundations (Getting acquainted with the Church of the United Brethren pg. 50-55)."
Abstract This paper briefly analyzes the New England and Virginia colonies. Starting with the New England colonies, both areas are discussed in terms of: geography, settlement, social characteristics, industries, and participation in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars with an eye toward their historical significance. The Virginia colony is presented last and is contrasted with the New England colonies.
Abstract The writer of this paper analyzes the decline of the Roman Empire which resulted in an influx of Germanic peoples into the Roman Catholic church which greatly affected all aspects of religious life. Until the division from the Eastern church in 1054 and the break with the Protestant churches in the 16th century, one cannot separate the history of the Roman Catholic church from Christianity's history in general. This paper contains numerous historical facts dating back to the 11th century relating to the division of the church as well as Christian theology. This paper also discusses the tremendous impact of St. Thomas Aquinas in the church and as the founder of scholasticism.
Table of Contents:
The Modern Period
The Church in The U.S.
From the Paper "St. Thomas Aquinas, the Doctor of the Church, died in 1274. He was a great influence in the Church, and helped to usher in scholasticism. This particular approach to Christian theology, associated with this time period, emphasizes rational justification and systematic presentation of Christian theology. Drawing upon the works of Aristotle, Aquinas developed a vast and complex, though unified system of Christian thought, most fully expressed in his "Summa." He arranged Christian beliefs in a systematic presentation, beginning with sources of knowledge, God's existence, and embracing nearly everything that was part of the knowledge of Medieval Europe."
Abstract The writer of this paper contends that Warren's main goal is to teach others about the cause of Christ. This paper details the contents of Warren's book while discussing the author's opinion regarding the myths attached with growing churches. The author tackles the argument that large churches are only concerned with attendance. This paper examines the church's general premise, which according to Warren, begins with a solid foundation, which builds morale and reduces frustration. Warren describes how churches can turn attenders into members, by implementing a plan that assimilates new members by focusing on congregational needs. This paper discusses Warren's suggestions and strategies for improving the current situation in churches across America. This paper also lists the five main purposes of the church, according to the author, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor and teaching obedience.
From the Paper "The following section focuses on how a church becomes purpose driven. This begins with a solid foundation, which can be set forth with a purpose statement. This, in Warren's opinion, builds morale and reduces frustration. In addition, a church's purpose is not created as much as it is discovered. Purpose statements are biblical, specific, transferable, and measurable. In this section, Warren also goes over five purposes o the church, which include loving the Lord, loving one's neighbor, making disciples, baptism, and teaching obedience. Warren also discusses communication and organizing the body of the church around the church's purpose. Part of this plan includes the five circles of commitment, which are community, crowd, congregation, the committed, and the core."
