In what ways were people challenging the Church during Henry VII's reign?

1. What was Humanism?

 Humanism was part of the renaissance movement which began in Italy and swept through Europe. Humanism was a positive movement which believed that improvement was possible through learning and study. 

2. How is humanism connected to religious beliefs?

Humanists became involved in the religious debate due to the poor quality of parish priests. They wanted to improve the quality of education of both clergy and laity. They attacked some of the church practices such as the selling of indulgences (document that cancelled out a punishment in purgatory). They were concerned that the exploitation of people's fear led souls away from God but also lined the pockets of the higher clergy.

3. Key Humanists

Erasmus - A Dutch humanist scholar who visited England in 1499. He was based at both Oxford and Cambridge during his stays in England. He wrote a variety of works attacking the the abuses of the Catholic Church. He challenged monks who did not live Godly lives. 

John Skelton - A poet and linguist who became one of the tutors to the future Henry VIII.

John Colet - Dean of St Paul's Cathedral and founder of St Paul's school. He travelled to Italy and delivered a set of lectures in which he denounced the abuses of the Church and the corruption of the clergy.

Thomas More - Scholar who wrote Utopia and later became Chancellor to Henry VIII

4. What was the impact of Humanism?

Only the most educated would have understood and had access to the new humanist ideas. Most people would have continued to follow a more medieval attitude towards religion. They would have continued to attend pilgrimage and believe in saints and miracles.