Challenges to the Religious Settlement

• What is the overall enquiry of the chapter regarding Elizabeth's religious settlement?


  It assesses what the settlement did and what it shows about the country's religion.
• In what year was Elizabeth's Religious Settlement established?


  1559
• Why did Elizabeth choose the Religious Settlement?


  To establish a compromise between Catholic and Protestant beliefs.
• What were two features of Puritan religious beliefs?


  They wanted plain church architecture and a more extreme form of Protestant service.
• What did Puritans oppose in the Religious Settlement?


  They opposed the Catholic appearance of the new Church and the role of bishops.
• Why did Puritans support the Religious Settlement?


  They were pleased it was established but felt it did not go far enough.
• How would you describe the challenge from the Puritans?


  Considerable
• Why did Puritan attitudes create religious problems for Elizabeth in 1560?


  Puritans felt the settlement was a compromise with Catholic ideas, leading to ongoing tensions.
• What were the main Puritan challenges to the Religious Settlement?


  • Wanted church run by committed leaders, not bishops.
  • Opposed the Catholic appearance of the Church.
  • Desired plain architecture and minimal music in services.
  • Believed in spiritual presence of Jesus in Communion, not physical.
• What did some Puritans do despite their disappointment with the Religious Settlement?


  Some accepted positions as bishops to influence the Church towards Puritan beliefs.
• Who were some influential Puritans in Elizabeth's government?

  Members of the Queen's Council, such as the Earl of Leicester and Francis Walsingham.
• What methods did Puritans use to enact change?


  They included daily prayers, creating their own services, and working through Parliament.
• What was the Puritan population in relation to the Church of England?


  They were a minority, about a tenth of the Church of England's population.
• What was Elizabeth's stance on Puritan demands for changes in the Church?


  She believed they were attacking her authority and had no right to ask for changes.
• What divisions existed among the Puritans?

  • Separatists: Wanted to eliminate the national Church.
  • Presbyterians: Wanted to abolish bishops.
• What was the general attitude of Catholics towards the Religious Settlement?

  Many Catholics accepted the settlement but missed the Catholic Mass.
• What did most Catholics accept about the new Elizabethan Church?

  They accepted its leadership, appearance, and organization but missed the Catholic Mass.
• How did the Papacy influence Catholic attitudes towards the Religious Settlement?


  The Papacy's stance encouraged Catholics to oppose the new Church and seek its overthrow.
• What was the outcome of Pope Pius V's declaration regarding the Church in England?


  He declared the new Church illegitimate and invalid, increasing opposition.
• What was Elizabeth's reaction to Catholic challenges?


  She turned a blind eye to non-attendance at church and did not enforce penalties actively.
• How did Elizabeth's approach to Catholic challenges evolve over time?


  • 1560s: Leniency towards Catholics.
  • 1570s: Introduction of recusant Mass penalties.
  • 1580s: Increased penalties and executions.
• Why was Mary, Queen of Scots a problem for Elizabeth?


  Mary was Elizabeth's cousin and heir, and a Catholic, posing a threat to Elizabeth's rule.
• What happened to Mary after she arrived in England?


  She was kept as a prisoner for nearly twenty years.
• What was the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth regarding the English throne?


  Mary was Elizabeth's heir presumptive, complicating Elizabeth's position.
• What were Elizabeth's options regarding Mary, Queen of Scots?


  Options included keeping her imprisoned, providing an army, or executing her.
• What were the advantages of keeping Mary imprisoned?


  It avoided risks of rebellion and maintained stability for Elizabeth's reign.
• What were the disadvantages of keeping Mary imprisoned?


  Mary had not committed any crime, and her imprisonment could provoke her supporters.
• What was the political situation in Scotland during Mary's rule?


  Scotland was a Protestant country ruled by Protestant nobles, complicating Mary's position.
• What was the outcome of Mary's marriages?


  Her marriage to Darnley strengthened her claim but ended in scandal and her downfall.
• How did Mary's actions lead to her downfall?


  Her marriage to Bothwell after Darnley's death led to her loss of support and eventual imprisonment.
• What was the significance of Mary being a Catholic monarch in a Protestant country?


  It made her a focal point for Catholic opposition to Elizabeth's Protestant rule.
• What were the dangers to Elizabeth if she allowed Mary complete freedom?


  It could lead to a Catholic rebellion and threaten Elizabeth's crown.
• Why was it important for Elizabeth to keep Mary imprisoned?


  To prevent her from becoming a rallying point for Catholic opposition.
• What were the key challenges to the Religious Settlement from both Puritans and Catholics?


  • Puritans: Wanted a more extreme Protestant service, opposed bishops, and desired plain churches.
  • Catholics: Missed the Catholic Mass, accepted the settlement but felt it was illegitimate.