Anglicanism

What led to the creation of Anglicanism?

Anglicanism was created when King Henry VIII of England broke with the Pope in 1534 over his desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, leading to the Act of Supremacy, which declared him the head of the Church of England.

How did Henry VIII's personal life affect religious reform in England?

Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and the Pope's refusal to annul his marriage led to the English Reformation and the establishment of Anglicanism.

What was the Act of Supremacy?

The Act of Supremacy, passed in 1534, declared Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church of England, separating it from the authority of the Pope.

How did the religious stance of England change after Henry VIII?

After Henry VIII, England oscillated between Calvinism and Catholicism, depending on the religious beliefs of each monarch, before settling on Anglicanism under Elizabeth I.

What were the "39 Articles"?

The "39 Articles" were a set of doctrines that defined the Church of England's beliefs, blending Calvinist theology with Catholic liturgy and church structure.

What is the significance of the Book of Common Prayer in Anglicanism?

The Book of Common Prayer, compiled under Elizabeth I, outlines the liturgy and prayers of the Anglican Church, reflecting its "middle way" between Catholicism and Protestantism.

How does Anglicanism differ from Catholicism in terms of church structure?

Anglicanism maintains a church hierarchy with bishops and clergy, similar to Catholicism, but rejects the authority of the Pope, which is a key difference.

What is the "middle way" in Anglican theology?

The "middle way" in Anglicanism combines Calvinist-inspired theology with Catholic-style liturgy and church organization, avoiding the extremes of both.

How does the Anglican Church's organization differ in the United States?

In the United States, the Anglican Church is known as the Episcopal Church, reflecting its hierarchical structure with bishops, similar to the original Anglican Church.

What role did Elizabeth I play in establishing Anglicanism?

Elizabeth I established the foundations of Anglicanism by defining its doctrines and liturgy, stabilizing the Church of England with the "39 Articles" and the Book of Common Prayer.

Why is Anglicanism considered a compromise between Catholicism and Protestantism?

Anglicanism is seen as a compromise because it combines Protestant theology with Catholic liturgy and a similar ecclesiastical structure, offering a "middle way" between the two.