Is a Lutheran England possible?

TruthfulPanda

Gone Fishin'
Whether it is because Edward (who lives longer) or Elizabeth somehow decide that this is a good idea, is it possible that the Church of England becomes Lutheran in its Dogma?
If yes - does this really change anything?
 

Philip

Donor
It is not impossible. Melanchthon was invited to England a couple of times to assist the English reformers. He declined as he felt he needed to complete his work in the German areas.
 
It could happen. Another POD could be Henry VIII dying early and without a heir.

Just keep in mind there were competing Protestant denominations. Why should England be Lutheran and not Calvinist or some other denomination? After all most of the Protestants in France were not Lutherans. Nor the Low Countries.
 

Teejay

Gone Fishin'
My answer would be highly unlikely, because of the reasons I outline below.

I argue that the reason why the English and Scottish were generally of a Calvinist nature has to do with the Lollards back in the 14th and 15th centuries. When you examine the theology of the Lollards they are the direct ancestors of the English puritans in the 16th and 17th centuries.

It was notable that the Scottish Reformation was Calvinist in flavour and the Lowlands of Scotland (expecting those areas which still spoke Gaelic) were pretty much of the same culture as the Counties of England north of the Humber.

There is little doubt Edward VI if he survived would have turned the Church of England into a Calvinist in practice as well as theology (The Thirty Nine Articles are generally Calvinist). Likewise for an Elizabeth I if she had been Puritan theologically. Also if England had remained an official Roman Catholic nation there would be a sizeable Calvinist minority with more influence than their numbers were. Because they would concentrated in London and the South-East. Depending on which monarch is ruling in the late 16th century an English war of religions could be possible.
 
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TruthfulPanda

Gone Fishin'
Why should England be Lutheran and not Calvinist or some other denomination?
I was thinking Lutheranism as it is closer to Catholicism - bishops and all - than Calvinism. IMO it has more appeal/"feels more natural" for the Monarch in a top-down Reformation movement.

I argue that the reason why the English and Scottish were generally of a Calvinist nature has to do with the Lollards back in the 14th and 15th centuries. When you examine the theology of the Lollards they are the direct ancestors of the English puritans in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Thanks for the knowledge.
 
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