26. Edward, Mary, and an English Tug-of-War

Revised: Following the death of Henry VIII, England experienced the roller-coaster of a strong protestant king following by an even more determined Catholic Queen. The blood and pain inflicted on the English people during this period left a lasting impact that was finally substantially resolved in the policies of Elizabeth, but for the moment, the outcomes were anything but certain. Against this backdrop, the careers of courageous spirits on both sides of the controversy paved the way to eventual ideas of religious freedom and liberty of conscience. For more free resources, please visit www.brucegore.com.

[@karlfausek7299]

Thank you again for this great lecture!!!

[@josettedc703]

i got emotional on the final words of thomas cranmer.....Praise God for these lives whose testimonies have been great help for those undergoing trials and tests for their faith in Christ!

[@sandraclout2639]

Thanks for your time and information. I'm bed bound, and at least you keep my brain active. Cheers🎉

[@BecketTheHymnist]

@43:34
Perish every fond ambition
All I've wanted hoped or known
Yet how rich is my condition
God and Heaven are still my own
Thank you so much for this message Bruce. :')

[@tristangladston4466]

Great lectures.

[@SuperCantankerous]

I mange kæassér

[@Michael_Chandler_Keaton]

Thanks! There are no good histories of the English church on video much past the Reformation years, so watching your series.

[@yinggao6787]

Thanks from italy. It helps a lot!

[@GoreBruce]

Molto Grazie!

[@DarrinThomasPhD]

I think you uploaded this video twice. The first time it's called "Edward VI, Mary Tudor, and an English Tug of War" without the number 26 in the title.

[@GoreBruce]

Yes, that's true of most my videos. One set is intended for a general CZcams audience, the other is a longer version intended to be accessed through my website. Thanks for the feedback!

[@robertcoleman580]

I enjoy immensely this series of lectures and would never presume to debate with Mr Bruce over theological matters which he evidently has a profound knowledge of. However, I would just comment on some of the historical points made here. It is true there was general support amongst the common people for Mary's right to rule but that would have made no difference if it had not been for the fact that the educated Protestant elite was split down the middle. The driving force behind Jane Grey was Northumberland - a Dudley. He had Jane marry his son, Guildford. Many people could not stomach the idea of a Dudley on the throne and so the opposition to Mary was fatally weakened. It is not the case that the first thing Mary did was to have Jane executed, though she was under huge pressure to do exactly that from the likes of Chapuys. Jane and Guildford were imprisoned in the Tower. Jane's father, Harry Dorset, was the second figure behind the revolt against Mary and yet he was pardoned for this and remained at liberty. Yet only months later he was behind another revolt against Mary which came close to toppling her. Enough was enough and this time all three followed Northumberland to the scaffold. Jane is to be pitied. She was the tool of powerful men.
As regards the Oxford Martyrs I would say this. They all died bravely. Latimer, however, was a very unpleasant person. He had exulted in the suffering of Catholics brutally executed for their faith. Ridley read the declaration of bastardy against Mary (and Elizabeth) from the pulpit on both Sundays of Jane's "reign". The only Bishop to do this. As for Cranmer - is there any evidence to show that he was physically tortured during his imprisonment? He clearly suffered mental torture; being forced to watch the burning of Latimer and Ridley. Cranmer's execution is inexplicable on so many levels. It was clearly against Canon Law. It was a spectacular own goal on the part of Mary's regime. Instead of a discredited Cranmer you had a martyred Cranmer. Mary hated Cranmer for his support of her father in having Henry's marriage to Catherine annulled, true. But, when she came to the throne she not only pardoned some of those who had vociferously supported the annulment; such as Norfolk; but even favoured them; Stephen Gardiner being the most glaring example.
As for Elizabeth. During her reign, more Catholics were executed for their faith than in any other country in Europe in that period.

[@GoreBruce]

Thanks for those helpful clarifying insights!