Audio • Season 1 • Episode 3 • Series 1 Episode 3 - The Protestant Boy King. (Transcript added).

Artwork • The Family of Henry VIII, c. 1543-1547

Music • John Taverner: Quemadmodum , Psalm 42, c.1540.

In 1547, King Henry VIII's nine-year-old son, Edward VI, became the first English monarch raised as a Protestant.

Notable French Protestant reformer John Calvin was a key figure in the second wave of the Protestant Reformation, publishing his influential work, "Institutes of the Christian Religion".

Meanwhile, Anabaptism emerged from the 16th-century Protestant Reformation, distinguishing itself from the Catholic Church with its unique principle of adult baptism.

John Calvin was born on 10 July 1509 in Picardy, France.

He was a French theologian, a pastor in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation, the leading French Protestant reformer and the most important figure in the second generation of the Protestant Reformation.

John Calvin’s interpretation of Christianity in his “Institutes of the Christian Religion”, first published in Basel, Switzerland, was a seminal work of Systematic Theology.

Ulrich Zwingli was born on 1 January 1484 in Wildhaus in the Swiss Confederation.

He led the Reformation in Switzerland during a time of emerging Swiss patriotism, believing that the state governed with divine sanction and that the church and state were subject to the sovereign rule of God.

Peter Martyr Vermigli was born on 8 September 1499 in Florence. He was a leading Italian religious reformer whose chief concern was Eucharistic doctrine.

© 20 25 The Rise of the Protestants., Author, Shaughan Holt.

"All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, translated, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the copyright holder, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law".

Series 1.

Episode 3.

The Protestant Boy King.

John Calvin was born on 10 July 15 09 in Picardy, France.

He was a prominent, French theologian and pastor in Geneva during the Protestant Reformation, often recognised as the leading French Protestant reformer and a key figure in the second generation of the movement.

Calvin’s interpretation of Christianity, is encapsulated in the seminal work, "Institutio Christianae Religionis," or "Institutes of the Christian Religion", first published in Basel Switzerland.

His work, is a foundational piece of Systematic Theology, which aims to provide a logical and understandable explanation of Christian beliefs.

The "Institutes", was intended as an introductory textbook, on Protestant doctrine, specifically on the Trinity, intended for individuals with prior theological knowledge.

It explores various subjects, including Church teachings, sacraments, faith-based salvation, and Christian liberty.

Calvin's conversion from Catholicism to Protestantism, motivated him to challenge the teachings of the Catholic Church, making his work profoundly influential in Protestant theology.

The "Institutes" became a cornerstone for Reformed Churches, and the adoption of Calvinist doctrine, holding significant importance in religious history.

The work was first published in Latin in 15 36, coinciding with Henry the VIII's dissolution of English monasteries - a pivotal event in England's own religious transformation.

Life in France was increasingly perilous for those labelled as Protestant heretics.

In 15 34, fearing for his safety, John Calvin left his homeland, and embarked on a journey through Basel, Ferrara, Geneva and Strasbourg before eventually returning to Geneva.

During his time in Geneva, Calvin encountered William Farel, who urged him to stay and assist, in the Protestant churches there.

Despite Calvin’s preference, for study over preaching, and feeling inadequate for the role, Farel insisted, declaring, "May God curse you and your studies if you turn away from the divine calling to join me in this mission."

In the end, Calvin agreed, and this marked the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

Calvin, a shy and reserved individual, would have preferred a life dedicated to study; however, he was unexpectedly drawn into the world of religious politics.

Over time, and with the backing of the Geneva City Council, he effectively emerged as the religious leader of Protestant Geneva.

He held the power, to eradicate all signs of Catholicism, and any behaviour deemed immoral.

The regime he established was openly totalitarian, with religious police, conducting inspections in homes, to ensure adherence to strict regulations.

Practices and symbols associated with the Catholic faith, such as rosaries, as well as naming children after saints, were strictly forbidden.

Art, music and theatre, all faced suppression, while personal choices regarding attire and food, were heavily regulated and enforced.

Offenses, such as gambling, adultery, heresy, and disrespect towards the clergy, could lead to severe punishments, including exile or even execution.

The press, also endured harsh censorship, severely restricting the free flow of information.

Education was closely linked to religion, as new schools were created, to teach subjects such as mathematics, writing, history, and biblical languages.

The municipality took control of all charitable activities, ensuring they aligned with Calvin's vision.

The institutional and social frameworks, that Calvin developed in Geneva, would leave a lasting mark on Protestantism, across Europe and North America.

Calvinism, named after the French theologian John Calvin, teaches "Unconditional Election".

This doctrine asserts that God's election, or choice, of those who would be saved, is not conditioned upon or influenced by anything outside God himself.

The underlying belief, is rooted in the inherent wickedness of humanity, and its inability to turn away from sin on its own, or to choose God, freely.

Salvation, is granted solely through God's grace and mercy, to those chosen for it.

In contrast, Arminianism, named after Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius, advocates for Conditional Election.

This perspective suggests, that individuals have the ability to choose God, and that God, in his foreknowledge, knew who would believe in Him and elected them accordingly.

William Farel is primarily remembered, for his pivotal role in convincing John Calvin to remain in Geneva in 15 36, and for urging his return in 15 41, after both were expelled from the city.

Calvin, initially encountered significant resistance from the local authorities, leading to a temporary banishment in 15 38.

However, the government of Bern later lifted this ban, allowing him to resume his preaching and worship freely.

While Farel did not return to Geneva with Calvin, he relocated to Neuchâtel, where he lived out the rest of his life.

Throughout this period, both men kept in regular touch with one another.

In 15 58, at sixty-nine, Farel married a teenager, named Marie Thorel.

The marriage, reportedly, raised concerns for Calvin, who feared it could have adverse implications, for the reputation of the Reformation in Europe.

Farel’s final year saw him invited to preach in Metz, where he passed away on 13 September 15 65.

A monument, was unveiled in his honour, in Neuchâtel on 4 May 18 76.

Luther, in contrast to John Calvin and Philipp Melanchthon, firmly believed throughout his life, that it was not a false doctrine, to hold that a Christian's soul sleeps, after it separates from the body at death.

This belief, reinforced his view, of the continuity of one's identity, beyond physical death.

He also rejected the existence of Purgatory, which involved Christian souls undergoing penitential suffering after death.

The concept of Purgatory, as a physical location, was officially recognised as a teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, toward the end of the 11th century.

Theologians in the Middle Ages, concluded that, the penalties in Purgatory were represented by actual fire.

The Roman Catholic Church teaches, that the living, can assist those who are still undergoing purification, in the fires of Purgatory for their sins.

This assistance, can be offered through prayers, and the obtaining of indulgences, on behalf of the deceased, serving as a form of intercession.

In more recent times, John Henry Newman, a prominent English religious scholar, suggested that the fundamental principle of purgatory, can be traced back to ancient traditions.

Explaining that the enduring nature of these beliefs, serves as evidence, that Christianity, was fundamentally, a "Gift from Heaven."

John Newman, who transitioned from being an Anglican priest, to becoming a Roman Catholic in 18 45 and ultimately a Cardinal, is recognised as one of the most influential figures of his era, for both Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism.

In 15 42, Martin Luther examined a Latin translation of the Qur'an and published several critical pamphlets addressing Islam.

Despite this, Luther showed little interest in its practice, famously stating, "Let the Turk believe and live as he will, just as one lets the Papacy, and other false Christians, live”.

He advocated for the unrestrained publication of the Qur'an, insisting it should face the same scrutiny as Christianity.

Martin Luther died on 18 February 15 46, aged 62, in Eisleben, Saxony, with his excommunication still in effect.

He was buried in the Schlosskirche in Wittenberg, in front of the pulpit.

His teachings and actions, transformed fundamental Christian principles, which would ultimately lead to the division of Western Christendom into Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations, including Lutheranism Calvinism Anglicanism Presbyterianism, the Quakers, Baptists, and the Anabaptists.

Ulrich Zwingli was born in January 14 84 in Wildhaus, which was a member of the Swiss Confederation.

He played a crucial role in the Reformation in Switzerland, during a time when nationalism was on the rise.

Zwingli believed that the State was governed solely by divine authority, arguing that both the Church and the State fell under the sovereign rule of God.

He asserted that while Christians had a duty to obey the government, civil disobedience was justified, if the authorities acted contrary to God's will.

Alongside Heinrich Bullinger, Zwingli engaged in regular debates with their students and followers, who voiced frustrations about the slow pace of the Reformation.

Throughout these discussions, they persistently questioned the practice of infant baptism.

Zwingli's focus on the communal study of sacred texts, contributed to a sense of unity among young men, reinforcing their involvement in the Protestant movement.

This collaborative approach, not only enhanced their understanding of religious doctrine, but also empowered them to question the authority of the Catholic Church, ultimately shaping key beliefs and altering the trajectory of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland.

On the evening of 21 January 15 25, the movement known as Anabaptism was born, when Konrad Grebel baptised former Catholic priest George Blaurock, in the Zurich home of Felix Mantz.

The events of that fateful evening, had been the culmination of a lengthy process, of thought and debate.

The term "Anabaptism," which means "baptised again," was initially used as a derogatory label, but over time, it was embraced as a badge of honour.

Realizing the gravity of the recent events, Zwingli sought to clamp down on further discussions in an attempt to manage the situation, and lessen any potential backlash.

He banned future debates, and the authorities quickly rallied behind him, prohibiting all upcoming gatherings.

Yet, it was already too late, to alter the unfolding situation.

In the Swiss Kappel Wars of 15 31, Zwingli's Reformed Cantons, attempted an unsuccessful food blockade, against the Catholic Cantons.

When the Catholic Cantons retaliated with an attack, Zurich was taken by surprise, and Zwingli was killed in the ensuing battle.

Zwingli’s legacy lives on in the confessions, liturgy, and church orders of today’s Reformed Churches, where his spiritual contributions, continue to influence, their practices and beliefs.

Anabaptism, emerged during the Protestant Reformation of the 16th century, and was founded on a belief about baptism, that differed from that of the Catholic Church.

The movement's most defining principle, was the practice of adult baptism.

In its early years, converts underwent a second baptism, which was considered a capital offence under the legal codes of the time.

Members of the movement, rejected the term "Anabaptist" or "Re-baptised," viewing their infant baptisms, as mere formalities and so devoid of any sacred significance.

They believed, that only adult baptism, following a public confession of sin and faith, was valid.

This perspective, aligned with Zwingli's view, that infants should not be held accountable for sin, until they can differentiate between right and wrong, and can choose to repent and receive baptism.

Additionally, the Anabaptists maintained, that the Church, as a community, comprising those who have publicly committed to their faith, should remain separate from the state.

As a result, they faced intense persecution, due to their convictions about baptism, and the perceived challenge, they posed to the political and social order.

The Anabaptist movement, inspired various Christian groups worldwide, including modern Baptists Quakers and the Mennonites.

A member of the Protestant Churches, Mennonites were named after Menno Simons, a Dutch priest who consolidated and institutionalised the work, initiated by moderate Anabaptist leaders.

Mennonites can trace their origins back to the Swiss Brethren, a group of Anabaptists, who emerged in 15 25 near Zürich, as a result of a disagreement with Ulrich Zwingli.

Mennonite leaders, Konrad Grebel and Felix Manz, previously Anabaptists, aligned with Zwingli's perspective in challenging the practice of infant baptism on biblical grounds.

However, their main concern, was the definition of "The Church", believing, that only individuals who publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ, should be included.

Despite persecution, their beliefs gained popularity, and the movement grew for a while, before eventually being scattered across Europe.

Today, Mennonites can be found in many countries, with some of the largest concentrations in the United States and Canada.

The English Reformation, began in the 15 30s, when Henry VIII separated the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church, and the authority of the Pope.

In 15 33, Henry VIII requested Pope Clement VII permission, to annul his marriage, but his appeal was denied.

As a consequence, Parliament, supporting the King's assertion, of being the Supreme Head of the Church of England, granted him the authority to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon and to lawfully wed Anne, Boleyn.

Cromwell aimed to steer the newly established Church of England toward evangelical principles, while implementing much-needed reforms.

He was to emerge as one of the most influential champions of the English Reformation, playing a vital role in shaping authentic governance in England.

During this period, Henry VIII often shifted his support between Protestant advisers and those loyal to traditional beliefs, as he aimed to preserve certain Catholic doctrines and practices.

Meanwhile, a significant segment of the population in England, still identified as non-Protestant.

The origins of Puritanism, can be traced back to the early stages of the English Reformation.

The term "Puritans," sometimes called "precisionists", was initially used as a term of contempt by their opponents.

Although the term first appeared in the 15 60s, the movement began in England during the 15 30s.

During this period, King Henry VIII rejected the authority of the Pope, effectively transforming the Church of Rome into the national Church of England.

The Puritans believed that the new Church of England kept too many of the rituals and liturgical practices associated with Roman Catholicism, which created friction with mainstream Protestants.

Separately, by the 15 40s, there were also divisions between Lutherans and the Swiss Reformed Churches, in their views on predestination and the use of religious images.

The Reformed individuals viewed statues, stained glass, and religious images in the Church as idolatrous.

Opposing the symbolic use of traditional clerical attire, they preferred their ministers to wear black gowns, aiming to replace the ornate rituals of the medieval Church with simple services focused on prayer and preaching.

In January 15 47, after the death of King Henry VIII, his nine-year-old son Edward VI, ascended to the throne.

Edward was notable for being the first English monarch, raised as a Protestant.

Since he was still a child, a Regency Council was formed, to govern on his behalf.

Initially, Edward Seymour, the 1st Duke of Somerset, led the council until 15 49, when John Dudley, the 1st Earl of Warwick, took over its leadership.

During Edward's reign, Protestant beliefs were woven into a new liturgy, resulting in the 15 49 Book of Common Prayer, which was further revised in 15 52 for greater clarity.

Many traditional practices, such as praying for the dead, holding requiem masses, and setting up Chantry foundations, were abolished.

While religious processions were banned, clergy were now, allowed to marry.

During the reign of King Henry VIII, the English Parliament had approved the Third Succession Act in July 15 43.

This legislation replaced the First and Second Succession Acts, which had declared Henry's daughters, Mary and Elizabeth, illegitimate and excluded them from inheriting the throne.

With the support of Edward VI, new legislation was introduced, to reinstate Mary and Elizabeth as potential successors, following Edward and any future children he might have.

Certain conditions, however, complicated their positions in the line of succession.

In Edward VI, first year as king, Parliament enacted the Treason Act of 15 47.

This law is significant, because it established the precedent, that two witnesses are required, to substantiate charges of treason.

When Edward VI, ascended to the English throne in 15 47, Protestant reformers sought to implement significant changes in the Church of England.

Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, maintaining regular communication with Continental reformers, invited Peter Vermigli, an Italian-born Reformed theologian, to contribute to these efforts.

Vermigli was recognised primarily as a scriptural teacher, and his influence is particularly noted for his doctrine of the Eucharist.

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is a Christian service that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, during which he offered his disciples, bread and wine, to symbolise his body and blood.

Unlike the Catholic doctrine of Transubstantiation, Vermigli did not believe that the bread and wine were transformed into Christ's body and blood.

He also disagreed with the Lutheran view that Christ's body is ubiquitous and, therefore, can be physically present at the Eucharist.

Instead, Vermigli taught that Christ remains in Heaven, although he is offered to those who partake in the Eucharist and receive it from believers.

Vermigli accepted Cranmer's invitation, and travelled to England from the Holy Roman Empire in November, where he had previously been elected Canon of St. Thomas Church in Strasbourg.

In 15 48, he took over from Richard Smyth, becoming the second Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford University.

This was a significant role at a university, which had been somewhat hesitant to embrace Protestant reforms until then.

The situation changed dramatically in 15 49 with the outbreak of the Prayer Book Rebellion, forcing Vermigli to flee Oxford and move to Lambeth Palace in London, where he joined Cranmer.

This conflict, arose in response to conservative opposition against the new vernacular liturgy, introduced by the Book of Common Prayer during Pentecost.

Pentecost, also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsun, is a Christian holiday celebrated fifty days after Easter, or the seventh Sunday after Easter.

It commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ twelve disciples.

The most significant reform, during Edward's reign, was the introduction of an English liturgy, which replaced the traditional Latin ceremonies.

Today, the Church of England and other Anglican Churches, continue to use variations of the original 15 49 Book of Common Prayer, as their official liturgical text.

This Prayer Book, was essentially the product of Thomas Cranmer's work, drawing from various sources.

It implicitly includes the doctrine of Justification by Faith, while explicitly rejecting Catholic beliefs such as Transubstantiation, and the sacrifice of the Mass.

Instead, it teaches that the Eucharist is a remembrance, and representation of Christ's sacrifice, rather than being viewed as a sacrifice itself.

Although the book reflects Cranmer's Protestant theology, it still incorporates traditional forms and sacramental language from medieval Catholic liturgies.

Critics among Protestants felt it was too closely tied to tradition, leading to the eventual introduction, of the significantly revised, 15 52 Book of Common Prayer.

Amid the controversies surrounding the Book of Common Prayer, Cranmer began revising it in the winter of 15 49.

Later that year, the Convocation of Canterbury, took time to address several concerns also related to the 15 49 Prayer Book.

During his time in Lambeth, Vermigli became actively involved in the political matters of the English Church.

However, after the liturgy issues had been settled, Vermigli was allowed to return to Oxford.

In 15 50, both Vermigli and Martin Bucer proposed adjustments to the Eucharistic liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer to Cranmer.

By January 15 51, Vermigli had been appointed the First Canon of Christchurch, and in October, he received an invitation to join the commission, tasked with revising England’s Canon Law.

By the end of the year, the commission had drafted a preliminary version of these laws, which John Foxe would later publish as "The Reformation of Ecclesiastical Laws”.

Peter Martyr Vermigli was born on 8 September 14 99, in Florence, and became a leading figure in the Italian religious reform movement, particularly known for his focus on Eucharistic theology.

His early reform efforts, played a significant role in encouraging a number of Italians to adopt Protestantism, in predominantly Catholic Italy.

After fleeing to Protestant northern Europe, Vermigli contributed significantly to the establishment of a vibrant community of Protestant refugees in Geneva.

His influence extended to the English Reformation as well, where he notably impacted Thomas Cranmer.

Prior to their encounter, Cranmer’s views on the Eucharist, leaned towards Lutheranism.

However, Vermigli likely swayed him to adopt a more Reformed viewpoint, ultimately altering the trajectory, of the English Reformation.

This shift, led Cranmer to revise the Book of Common Prayer, and draft the Forty-two Articles of Religion.

During his time in England, Vermigli altered the Book of Common Prayer of 15 52, specifically focusing on the Eucharistic service.

Historians also believe, he either contributed to, or even authored, the Predestination article in the Forty-Two Articles of Religion of 15 53.

Vermigli's theological influence in Elizabethan Oxford and Cambridge, is considered significant, and his political theology, played an important role, in shaping the Elizabethan Religious Settlement.

Written in 15 62, Vermigli's "Loci Communes", also known as "Commonplaces", is a collection of thematic discussions, set within his biblical commentaries.

First printed in Latin in 15 76, the work, provides an overview of fundamental principles in Christian theology, and discusses contentious issues, that emerged during the Protestant Reformation.

It became a standard textbook in Reformed theological education, and was especially popular with English theology students in the seventeenth century.

Settlers, introduced the English version of Loci Communes, to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, where Harvard College adopted it as an indispensable study resource.

New England Puritan scholars, held Vermigli's writings in high esteem, and they were more commonly found in the collections of seventeenth-century Harvard theology students, than Calvin's.

Peter Vermigli, died on 12 November 15 62 at the age of 63 in his home in Zurich, where he succumbed to a fever during an epidemic.

He was interred in the city's Grossmünster Cathedral.

Vermigli is best known, for his strong written and spoken critiques, of the Catholic doctrine of Transubstantiation.

Instead, he advocated for the Reformed Doctrine of Sacramental Presence.

Vermigli argued that Transubstantiation, the doctrine asserting the transformation of bread and wine into the flesh and blood of Christ, lacks scriptural support.

His political theology, played a crucial role in the Elizabethan religious settlement, providing theological justification for Royal Supremacy - the principle that the King of a territory rather than any ecclesiastical authority, governs its Church.

Peter Vermigli, developed his doctrine of double Predestination, independently from John Calvin.

He believed, that God's Will, determines both damnation and salvation, which made his interpretation similar to Calvin's.

However, Vermigli did not view Predestination as central to his theological framework.

He believed that God, chooses individuals for salvation, based solely on grace or unmerited favour, without regard to their good or bad deeds, referring to this perspective as Unconditional Election.

During the reign of Edward VI, many members of the English religious establishment viewed the 15 49 Prayer Book as a flawed initial attempt to create a more fully reformed Protestant faith.

These reformers criticised the existing services, arguing that they included overly ornate altars and elaborate vestments for the clergy.

One notable reformer, Archbishop Cranmer, took the lead in this effort, resulting in the 15 52 revision, which aimed to guide the Church further along a Protestant path.

The Book of Common Prayer was introduced in late 15 52, just six months before Edward VI untimely death.

Edward VI, is often referred to, as the Protestant Boy King.

The revisions made in the 15 52 Book of Common Prayer were significant.

They included the addition of daily opening sentences from Scripture, as well as the Exhortation, Confession, and Absolution for both Morning and Evening Prayer.

The Communion service was also modified, to clarify the traditional Catholic doctrine, regarding the real presence of Christ in the sacraments, making it more ambiguous.

From November 15 52 to July 15 53, the 15 52 Book of Common Prayer, commonly known as the Second Prayer Book of Edward VI, served as the official liturgy of the Church of England.

Today, many Protestant churches regularly observe the Eucharist as an integral part of a believer's life.

The service often features a prayer of thanksgiving, a gathering of the community, petitions seeking God's forgiveness for sins, scripture readings, a sermon, and collective prayer.