Britain Religion
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Some of the most key noted historical moments in European history come from Britains religious history. As one of the worlds super powers, the United Kingdom has produced some of the most historically altering events in many areas of human history. Many of the most talked about moments in European history was the results of religious scandals linked to Britain. All of these changes have shaped what we now know as modern European Christianity. On the flip side, we will discuss some key points in regard to the British law and order. Home land security is at the top of the list in most countries today. The countries that make up Britain are no different than any other country when it comes to the safety and well being of their citizens. Although they are not considered to have the best law enforcement in the world; British law and order is considered among the best. Taking a look inside the law and religious history of Great Britain might help us understand the geographical culture within.
It is not until the 5th and 6th centuries that the Christian movement had made its way into Britain. Before this time the United Kingdom was under Roman rule, as was most of Europe. The leading religious practices up to this time were paganism. In Dorling Kindersleys publishing History of Britain and Ireland, authors R.G. Grant, Ann Kay, Michael Kerrigan, and Philip Parker discuss in depth some of the most important events in British History. The authors point out that the first evidence of Christian missionary work came to Ireland around 431 C.E.ˡ The first missionary, Palladius, was sent by Pope Celestine I to spread the gospel among the English people, but there is no evidence that his missions were a success for lack of records. The person credited for the conversion of the Irish is Saint Patrick. After many trips to and from Ireland, Saint Patrick had successfully planted the Christian seed amongst the Irish. By the time Saint Patrick died, Ireland had a promised future in Christianity.
The Christian movement was slow to move throughout Britain due to the fact that the Anglo-Saxons were on the move conquering anything in their path. As mentioned in the History of Britain and Ireland, the author makes note that the next major step the British take was made possible by Pope Gregory I in 597 C.E. ² Pope Gregory I sent a group of clerics, led by Saint Augustine, into England to expand the Christian faith. After a few upsets that resulted in the deaths of converted kings, the Christian faith began to spark attention from many Britons as sought by the Pope. By the 7th century, Christianity was spreading like a wild fire across Britain. The United Kingdom had become united as a Christian based nation; therefore, finally shaking off the shackles of Rome.
By the 13th century, Catholicism was the dominant religion in all of Britain. It was also by this time that certain individuals among the English were becoming fed up with some of the churchs practices. It would not be long before a reformation would sneak up on the church. Among some of these pre-reformers was a respected teacher of Oxford University named John Wycliffe. Wycliffe was one of the few that made known his issues with the papacy, but unlike other reformers that were burnt at the stake, Wycliffe was protected by Oxford University. The authors of the History of Britain and Ireland make it clear that Wycliffe came close to conviction, but was able to escape death from the papacy. Wycliffe was the first to translate the Bible to English so that everyone of the English tongue could