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What was Arminianism?

A theological movement opposing Calvinist predestination, emphasising free will and anti Calvinist beliefs.

Who was Jacob Arminius?

A Dutch theologian whose ideas challenged Calvinist doctrine.

Why is “anti Calvinist” a more accurate term for English Arminians?

Because their beliefs went beyond predestination to challenge wider Calvinist practices.

Why did James I dislike Calvinists?

Their strong anti Catholic stance limited his foreign and domestic policy.

Why was anti Catholicism strong in England?

Rival Catholic powers like France and Spain and historical fears.

What were the Anabaptists?

Religious groups in Holland practising adult baptism.

How did Anabaptists influence England?

English refugees adopted their ideas and founded Baptist churches (1612).

How did Arminians view the Catholic Church?

As mistaken rather than evil.

What did Arminians believe about the Church of England?

It struck the correct balance between purity and structure.

What changes did Arminians promote in churches?

Decoration (colour, statues); Clerical robes; Restricted access for laity

Why did this challenge Protestant beliefs?

It undermined the idea of spiritual equality.

Why did Arminianism alarm Protestants?

Threatened direct relationship with God; Resembled Catholic practices

What was “A New Gag for an Old Goose” (1624)?

A work by Richard Montagu attacking Calvinism.

How did Charles I respond to Montagu?

Protected him and gave him a court position.

How did Charles I’s court change after 1625?

More formal, ordered, and influenced by Arminians.

What was the York House Conference (1626)?

A debate between Arminians and their opponents.

What was the outcome of the York House Conference?

No change; Charles supported Arminians.

What proclamation did Charles issue after 1626?

Banned public discussion of religious doctrine.

Why did this favour Arminians?

It restricted Calvinist preaching more than ritual

Who was George Abbot?

Archbishop of Canterbury suspended in 1627.

Why was Abbot suspended?

Refused to license an Arminian sermon.

Who was William Laud?

Leading Arminian and key religious advisor to Charles I.

What position did Laud gain in 1628?

Bishop of London and member of the Privy Council.

Why did Puritans fear a Catholic conspiracy?

Arminian reforms resembled Catholic practices.

Why were these fears exaggerated?

Charles and Laud were not actually Catholics.

Why did Charles favour Arminians?

Shared values: order, hierarchy, dislike of Puritanism.

Why were Laudian reforms controversial?

They alienated large sections of the population.

Why did fears of Catholicism increase in the 1630s?

Catholic queen; Catholics in government; Catholic successes in Europe

Why were Charles and Laud suspected of Catholic sympathies?

Their reforms made the Church more “Catholic like”.

When did Laud become Archbishop of Canterbury?

1633.

What did Laud’s reforms focus on?

Church decoration; Clerical conformity; Authority of bishops

How were reforms enforced?

Through bishops and Church Courts.

What courts punished dissenters?

Church Courts and Star Chamber.

Who was John Bastwick?

A critic of Laud punished for attacking reforms.

What visible changes were made to churches under Laud?

Organs installed; Decorated fonts; Statues and colour restored

What was the most controversial change?

Moving the communion table to the east end.

Why was this change controversial?

Resembled Catholic altar; Emphasised clergy authority; Suggested transubstantiation

Why did Laudian reforms anger Protestants?

Appeared Catholic; Elevated clergy; Reduced lay participation

What complaints were made about bishops in 1640?

Arrogance; Wealth and lifestyle; Political power

Why were bishops politically controversial?

They held government roles.

How did bishops threaten elites?

Took positions traditionally held by nobility.

Why were bishops compared to figures like Wolsey?

Seen as agents of royal absolutism.

What does Laud’s career show?

Religion and politics were closely linked.

What was the Root and Branch Petition (1640)?

Called for abolition of episcopacy.

What did it complain about?

Arminianism; Restrictions on preaching; Clerical abuses

Who supported the petition?

Many in London and Puritan groups.

Did Parliament abolish episcopacy in 1640?

No, attempts failed.

What actions did Parliament take against bishops?

Removed from Privy Council; Attempted exclusion from Lords

What religious change was agreed with Scotland in 1643?

The Covenant.

What did the Covenant aim to establish?

Presbyterian Church structure.

What was the Westminster Assembly (1644)?

A meeting to design Church reforms.

What conflict emerged within reformers?

Presbyterians vs Independents

What did Independents want?

Independent congregations.

Why was this controversial?

It threatened a unified national Church.

Why was the New Model Army significant religiously?

Spread radical religious ideas.

Why was the army prone to radicalism?

Close living conditions; Shared experiences; Weak social controls

What role did the army play in spreading sects?

Encouraged new congregations and conversions.

What happened in 1647?

Conflict between Parliament and Army intensified.

What was the result?

Collapse of Presbyterian plans.

What happened in 1648?

Second Civil War.

What followed in 1649?

Pride’s Purge; Execution of Charles I

What happened to Presbyterian hopes after 1649?

They collapsed.

What type of groups emerged after regicide?

Radical sects demanding full toleration.

What did radical sects believe?

Complete freedom of conscience.

What was the Blasphemy Act (1650)?

Law punishing radical religious ideas.

Why was it introduced?

Fear of radical sects.

Who were the Quakers?

A radical religious group led by George Fox.

When did Quakerism grow?

1650 to 52.

What happened to radical groups over time?

Many declined or disappeared.

Why did some survive?

Strong organisation (e.g. Quakers).

What were Cromwell’s religious aims?

Godly society; Moral reform; Religious compromise

What were the Triers and Ejectors?

Bodies regulating ministers.

What did they ensure?

Competent, godly clergy.

How tolerant was Cromwell?

Allowed most Protestant groups if peaceful.

Who was persecuted under Cromwell?

Catholics; Some radicals (e.g. Quakers at times)

Who was James Nayler?

A Quaker punished for blasphemy.

What happened to him?

Public punishment (flogging, imprisonment).

Why is the Nayler case significant?

Shows fear of radicalism.

What happened to the Church in 1660?

Anglican Church restored.

What was the Worcester House Declaration?

Restored bishops.

What was the Savoy Conference (1661)?

Attempt to create a broad Church.

Why did it fail?

Venner’s Rising; Cavalier Parliament; Arminian dominance

What did the Act of Uniformity (1662) do?

Enforced Anglicanism; Expelled ~1,800 ministers

What requirements were imposed on ministers?

Episcopal ordination; Reject Covenant; Accept Prayer Book

Why was the Act of Uniformity important?

Created nonconformity on a large scale.

What was the Clarendon Code?

Laws restricting nonconformists.

What Acts did it include?

Corporation Act (1661); Act of Uniformity (1662); Conventicle Act (1664); Five Mile Act (1665)

Why did persecution fail by 1669?

Dissent adapted; Support networks formed; Public sympathy increased

Why did dissenters survive persecution?

Strong beliefs; Elite support; Mistakes by authorities

Why was anti

Catholicism strong by 1625?

Why did people fear Catholicism?

Belief it aimed to dominate and destroy Protestantism.

Why did Charles I increase fears of Catholicism

Marriage to Henrietta Maria; Catholic presence at court; Arminian reforms

How did Henrietta Maria influence religion?

Promoted Catholic worship; Encouraged conversions

Why did Charles’ actions cause suspicion?

He failed to explain policies.

How did court culture reinforce fears?

Catholic style art and imagery, emphasis on divine monarchy.

hat impression did Charles I give at his Scottish coronation in 1633?

Excessive pomp and ceremony, which confused and alienated the Scottish political nation.

What signs of Catholic influence existed at court in the 1630s?

Catholic wives of leading councillors (Windebank, Cottington); Royal children and courtiers worshipping in the queen’s chapel; Close relationship with papal ambassador George Con

How were Puritans and Catholics treated differently under Charles I?

Puritans were harassed while Catholics were largely left undisturbed.

What economic grievance increased resentment?

Catholic courtiers profited from monopolies (e.g. soap).

How were the gentry controlled during Personal Rule?

Ordered to remain in their localities.