Cranmer Studies

Alan Weatherall, “Thomas Cranmer: Theologian, Archbishop, and Theologian:” Alan gives the broad overview of Henry’s 5-year search to fix the Catherine-problem, 1527-1532, including solicitations of opinions in France, Germany, Italy and elsewhere. Pope Clement VII, fearful of Charles V, especially after sacking Rome in 1527 and hastening off from the burning city, was not likely to oblige Henry. This provoked new studies of early Councils, conciliar decisions, and English precedents about the extent of the Papal jurisdiction. Henry was not gonna take this one lying down and rolling over for the Pope. Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” Prof. Hughes reviews the exhortations of the Homilies to come to the Holy Supper in fear, reverence, and confession as invitees to the Holy Banquet with invitations of the Generous God. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Johnson does a nice summary on varying views of music in worship, including Zwingli, Calvin, and Luther. Polyphony was out for Calvin and hymns were in for Luther, as well as music more largely. Cranmer was involved with revisions of the Sarum breviary and simplifications thereof. The emphasis was on comprehension in worship, not Latin songs, motets and the like (154). Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” Prof. Mac gives more on the matrimonial gig with Anne of Cleves (274). “Nullity Tom” is on the third nullification program—Catherine, Boleyn, and now Anne. Of note, Wily Winchester, Bishop Steve Gardiner, delivers an excoriating speech in Henry’s favor in the Lords. A Diotrephian, as Latimer and Ridley routinely called Gardiner. However, of note, Convocation and Parliament are rubber-stamps of Henry’s vanity and dispatches of wives. He’ll get hosed over by the next wife, Katie Howard the lynx—adultery—until setting down with Katherine Parr. Cromwell falls on the same day he marries Katie Howard. Cranmer dutifully presides (174). What a wicked nation full of manifold wickednesses. How did a Reformation ever emerge from this hot moshpit? Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” Calvin and Calvinism. After discussing Trent and the Jesuits, Art tries to describe Calvin with the standard tripes and tropes of the tyrant of Geneva. This is an example of ignorance and bigotry. Failure to do the homework. Embarrassing. He’s way out over his skis on this one. Nice try, Mr. M.A. (107). Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” Williams describes the “cleanup from the Elephant” (her words) after the Cleves event with “Nullity Tom.” Although, notably, this wasn’t just Tom, but Wily Winchester in Convocation for the :cause of the nullity of the marriage in a lucid speech” (70). Charles V and the French king are in a fall-out, so Henry see an opportunity to ditch Anne without concern for the Lutheran league. Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” Prof. Ridley gets into the internal goings-on of the Prebendary Plot against "Nullity Tom" Cranmer in 1543. Articles are drafted up. Wily Winchester's hand is in the coup effort. And these Englishmen seemed so moderate, balanced and with the knack for avoiding extremes. After all, what's the problem with a take-down of the ABC?