Upstairs, Downstairs: Or the Roots of Reformation
Arthur J. Slavin
There has never been a lack of writing asserting that the English Erasmians and Thomas More circle had fundamental impact on course Reformation, by supplying its foundational motifs. Until 1948, when Zeeveld published his Foundations Tudor Policy, it could be objected nobody ever demonstrated their influence events. But over next twenty-five years an important literature grew up very question was capped Professor Elton's embrace thesis Cromwell's program shaped Humanist ideas.' For Elton this nothing less than conversion, as all will recognize who remember scathing denunciation any saw in those poor stirrings protestantism . or new humanistic learning anything cause Reformation England. 2 That vastly to overrate role intellectuals misjudge revolution took place. The crown led way, without benefit religious ideas, plans, programs-one wants say clergy. What missing from discussion roots reformation is challenge hierarchic theory which confines mediation events through ideas. This formula obscures relationship daily experience common people. Humanists faced with others conditions provoked them sense disorder. They vented representations right order, filtered literary, historical, theological, ecclesiological apparatus. apparatus undergirded notion history intelligible structure susceptible alteration. reformers restorers agreed people were incapable conceptualizing order
Huntington Library Quarterly