Leslie Williams, Ph.D.: Emblem of Faith Untouched: Life of Thomas Cranme...

5. Reformation, 27-33. (Of note, Dr. Williams has 35ish endnotes essentially from Encyclopedias evincing small, personal research.) Luther’s 95 Theses bring revolution to the religio-political power base. Charles V is a stout Papist. In 1530, Charles convokes the Diet of Augsburg—the Lutherans want the Augsburg Confession accepted/tolerated while Charles wanted money/support in his fight with the Turks on the southeastern flank. On theology, Charles refused; the Schmalkaldic League of Lutheran Princes allied in 1531 as a defensive League. Cranmer joined the court of Charles V in January 1532 as Henry’s Ambassador. Charles wants money and soldiers. Cranmer is directed to dawdle. Charles does not support Henry’s gig about Catherine and Anne. In August 1532, Henry denies money or soldiers and Charles is angry. Cranmer saw the battle damage done by rioting soldiers, Italians, in Charles’ employ. Rapes, murders, and pillages. Cranmer networked with other ambassadors and ended up at Nurnberg, meeting Osiander. Nurnberg was a prosperous, independent, and cultured center. Cranmer encouraged Osiander to continue his writing project. He witnessed the liturgical changes including NT readings. Cranmer absorbed the “thought, theology, trends and beliefs of writers and people he encountered” and had a “chameleon-like personality,” being “wishy-washy” (30). He married Margaret in 1532, being aged 43 and her age 20. Henry had begun shifting power from the Roman Robber to himself. Parliament and Convocation were Henry’s tools. Between 1529 and 1532, Parliament met four times—passing the Mortuaries and Probate Act. In early 1531, the Praemunire Act was invoked against all the clergy. During the process, Archbishop Warham conceded new titles for Henry’s lust for power, e.g., “Sole Protector, Only and Supreme Lord…” While Cranmer was cavorting on the Continent, Henry forced the clergy to submit to him. Big money bought back the good pleasure of the King. Additionally, Parliament passed the Annates Act—no more episcopal first fruits to the Roman Robber, but to Henry. Warham dies in August 1532 (Dr. Leslie errs with Sept 1532). Cranmer’s life will forever change.