I've been doing some reading on the Protestant Reformation, and especially in the north, it seemed occurred rather the time of the English \, Luther's writings has decimilated through Europe since 1517, widely popular in Germany and even read amongst the FRench aristocracy, where such call for reforms were causing Francois I headaches. Indeed,the Vasa's reforming the church seems almost accidental: they were no way ending the Kalmar Union on religious principals, althoug hthe Pope definitely made a wrong move in refusing his clerical appointment for vacant dioceses. Indeed, it was the Danish King who suggested such a break, having done so himself through extensive contacts with the Wittemberg theological community.
It just seems like Sweden was continuously torn beween the two religious camps. The Vasa certainly had an unhinged king in the person of Erik XIV, but it seems that it was John III who was torn on the issue of religion. During the time of his marriage to his first wife, Catherine Jagiellon, he had clear Catholic sympathies, publishing a
Red Book in an attempt to fuse the two differing faiths by creating a sort of Swedish Anglicanism with Catholic rituals in worship.
He also allowed remaining convents to begin receiving notices again: prior to this, monesteries were not dissolved in Sweden, but rather accepted no new recruits (except for the prestigious Vadstena MOnestery). Younger members were more apt to leave before the change in the law, but especially men, given that they could translate their time in a monastery into a career as a doctor, teacher, or a pastor. Woman had no choice but to marry if they left.
Now, my sort of general question is: what was the state of Catholicism in Sweden in the 17th century (before the reign of Charles IX)? Where there significant Catholic hold outs? John and his son Sigismund been less bumbling, might we have seen some sort of toleration with a Catholic dynasty reigning over Sweden (leaving Poland pit pf the situation). Was John's
Red Book a realistic proposition to reform the Swedish Church (perhaps creating a Gallican Church like seen in France?)
Third, who might be a good wife for an ALT. Swedish King who may have be easily influenced or have views lik with pro-Catholic views (they don't have to be extreme!)? I don't need any names, but dynasties that were probably floating around in the period. I can find the name myself in my homemade chart,
Any duerther quip and comments are welcome.
