The English Reformation in Wittenberg: Luther and Melanchthon’s engagement with religious change in England 1521–1560

Methuen, C. (2018) The English Reformation in Wittenberg: Luther and Melanchthon’s engagement with religious change in England 1521–1560. Reformation and Renaissance Review, 20(3), pp. 209-234. (doi: 10.1080/14622459.2018.1505204)

Abstract

Historians have long been puzzled by the character of the English Reformation, but how did contemporaries view it? This article explores the reception of the English Reformation in Wittenberg, focusing on the reactions of Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon as revealed by their correspondence. Luther and Melanchthon’s responses to events in England in this period show that they were generally well-informed. Although the Wittenberg Reformers cherished hopes of winning England for the Protestant cause, the theological ambiguity of the Henrician Reformation represented a real barrier to England’s negotiations with the Schmalkaldic League. The executions of Thomas More, Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell caused the Wittenberg Reformers to regard Henry VIII with increasing suspicion. Developments during Edward’s reign, however, made the English Reformation recognisable as part of the wider movement, and Melanchthon advised that English exiles in German territories should be treated as fellow believers.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Henrician Reformation, English Reformation, Robert Barnes, Henry VIII, Alexander Alesius, Schmalkaldic League.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Methuen, Professor Charlotte
• Authors: Methuen, C.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BR Christianity; B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BX Christian Denominations; D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain; D History General and Old World > DD Germany
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Journal Name: Reformation and Renaissance Review
• Journal Abbr.: RRR
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 1462-2459
• ISSN (Online): 1743-1727
• Published Online: 02 August 2018
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2018 Informa UK Limited
• First Published: First published in Reformation and Renaissance Review 20(3):209-234
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher