3 Early Reformers and Humanists

Question 1

Who were the Lollards

Answer 1

Followers of John Wycliffe, the Oxford scholar

Question 2

What were Lollard beliefs

Answer 2

• Everyone should have a bible written in English, not Latin, and should be able to interpret it for themselves
• An individuals relationship with God was central, rather than a relationship through the Church
• Not believe in transubstantiation
• Believed in predestination

Question 3

What demographic were the majority of Lollards

Answer 3

Craftsmen and merchants (wood-turning industry); most of which were literate

Question 4

When did Lollard support decline rapidly

Answer 4

• When Lollardy was deemed heretic, support melted away
• Particularly among those who came from the nobility or gentry

Question 5

Why is it hard to estimate how widespread Lollardy was

Answer 5

They were advised to continue to attend services in the parish church to place themselves, above suspicion

Question 6

What area of the country has been identified as having a high number of Lollards and why

Answer 6

• High Wycombe
• Many involved in the wood turning industry
• Trade liks would give them opportunities to access ideas which were being discussed on the continent

Question 7

Who were the Lutherans

Answer 7

Followers of Martin Luther

Question 8

When was Luthernaism established

Answer 8

1517

Question 9

What were Lutheran beliefs

Answer 9

• The soul was benefitted by faith alone rather than good works as well
• Called for Royal Supremacy - the King to become Head of the Church

Question 10

What event showed how there was limited support for Lutheranism in the 1520’s

Answer 10

A public book burning of Lutheran books in Caimbridge, 1520

Question 11

Which significant individuals supported Luthernaism

Answer 11

Simon Fish and William Tyndale

Question 12

How widespread was Lutheran support in England in c1529

Answer 12

• Very few attracted to Lutheranism
• Especially in the nobility
• Cranmer, Cromwell and other of Henry VIII’s key advisors were influenced by the ideas of Luther in the 1530’s
• But weren’t Lutherans

Question 13

What were Humanist ideas based on

Answer 13

Published texts rather than religious beliefs

Question 14

What did Humanists believe in

Answer 14

The basic principals of Catholic faith, such as the notion of free will

Question 15

How did Humanists want to change the Church

Answer 15

• Didn’t want to challange the beliefs of Catholicism, just it’s practises - seeking to reform the Church from within
• Wanted to purify the Church of what they believed to be corrupt pracitses

Question 16

What significant thing did William Tyndale do, and what happened to him

Answer 16

• Translated the Bible into English, which was heretic
• Fled to the Netherlands
• Burned as a heretic in 1536

Question 17

What nationality was Desiderius Erasmus, and what other Humanist was he friends within

Answer 17

• Dutch
• Friends with John Colet

Question 18

What was Desiderious Eramsmus’ opinions on the Church

Answer 18

Critical of some Catholic practises but remained intellectually committed throughout his life to a Catholic notion of Church and papal authority

Question 19

Who aided Henry VIII in defending the Catholic Church against the attacks of Martin Luther

Answer 19

Desiderius Erasmus

Question 20

What was John Colet’s opinions on the Church

Answer 20

Critical of some Catholic practises but remained intellectually committed throughout his life to a Catholic notion of Church and papal authority

Question 21

What nationality was John Colet

Answer 21

English

Question 22

Both Henry and what wife considered themselves Humanists

Answer 22

Catherine of Aragon

Question 23

Why was Henry awared the title ‘Defender of the Faith’ by the Pope

Answer 23

• His defended the Church against Luther’s literary assult
• He called Luther a heretic and a pervert for corrupting the morals of those who listened to him