English Renaissance and Reformation

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English Renaissance and Reformation

The Government

The English Reformation was characterized by various events that happened during 16th century in  HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/England” o “England” England whereby the  HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_England” o “Church of England” England Church charged away from the Pope’s authority and the  HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_England_and_Wales” o “Catholic Church in England and Wales” Catholic Church. During this period, the events were associated with European Protestant reformation, which was a political, and a religious movement, which affected Christianity practices in most European nations (Fix, 12). Some of the factors that influenced the process included, the feudalism decline, nationalism rise, printing press invention, common law uprising and the continued bible circulation. However, some English Reformation phases, which covered Ireland and Wales, were influenced by government policy changes whereby the public opinions accommodated itself gradually.

Religion

Religion a major aspect of Renaissance has been changing considerably over the past centuries. Before Renaissance thus during the middle Ages, most Churches especially the Catholic Church was on the increase in many parts of Europe. To the Catholic, the Pope was the most feared and influential person. At this particular time, Church was considered the community life center. As the Renaissance began to flourish, the church was still considered as a center of life. Most people in the community would still refuge in church during wars and plague. However, things had begun to change and various aspects were against the influence of the church in the community. The re-awakening of the Renaissance was characterized by the rebirth of thought. In this case, many people started taking up their own opinions and views regarding the world. Additionally, most people were beginning to question the Pope and the Church (Rowse, 45) .Some of the facts, which played an important role in weakening the influence of the Church, included Humanism rise, Printing Press invention and corruption awareness in the church. Individual Reformers work was also a key aspect during this period.

Social Class

The English Elizabethan Era was characterized by the daily life which was based on social order aspects. During this period, the monarch was considered as the most highest while the nobility was seen as the second highest rank. The gentry, merchants, yeomanry, and the laborers followed respectively. To the English, the queen was seen as a God’s representation on earth. This particular group of people believed that God formed and blesses most of these social ranks (Estep, 316). Additionally, the parliament regulated how the people in the Elizabethan Era would dress according to their ranks. The laborers were not supposed to wear the clothes of the wealthy people in the society. Alternatively, the rulers imposed the sumptuary laws to control the people’s expenditure. The rulers applied these laws on aspects such as foods, jewelry, beverages, furniture, and clothing. The sumptuary laws were significant in controlling people behaviors and ensuring that specific classes structured remained the same. In most cases, the Elizabethan Sumptuary laws would decide on what clothing types and colors individuals would wear. This aspect was significant in identifying ranks and privileges in the kingdom. The Monarch was the ruling itself by Queen Elizabeth the first. This period was considered as England’s best monarch. During the Elizabethan Era, the Gentry were the squires, knights, women, and men who never worked with their hands. The men and the women in this category of people were considered gentle (Estep, 318). Alternatively, the Yeomanry was considered the middle class group of people who saved enough for a better life. This class included the tradesmen, farmers, and craft workers.

Work Cited

Estep, William R. Renaissance and Reformation. Grand Rapids, Mich: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co, 1986. Print.

Fix, Andrew C. The Renaissance, the Reformation and the Rise of Nations. Chantilly, VA: Teaching Co, 2005. Print.

Rowse, A L. The England of Elizabeth. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 2003. Print.