A People's Reformation: Building the English Church in the Elizabethan Parish

The Elizabethan settlement, and the Church of England that emerged from it, paved the way for a theological, institutional, and high political reformation that changed history, birthed an Anglican communion, and launched new wars, languages, and national identities. A Peoples Reformation by Lucy Kaufman reinterprets the English Reformation and the roots of the Church of England, arguing that the Reformation was shaped by the people of England through their active social, political, and religious participation in creating a new church.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2023
Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press

The Elizabethan settlement and the Church of England that emerged from it paved the way for a profound theological, institutional, and political transformation. This transformative movement not only altered the course of history but also gave birth to the Anglican Communion and laid the foundation for new conflicts, linguistic innovations, and national identities.

In her groundbreaking book, "A Peoples Reformation," Lucy Kaufman offers a fresh perspective on the English Reformation and the origins of the Church of England. By delving into archival materials from both the United States and Britain, Kaufman sheds light on the increasing influence of the state and the gradual establishment of a strong state church in post-Reformation England. At the center of this narrative, Kaufman emphasizes the role of the people of England in shaping the Reformation and its profound impact on their daily lives.

Rather than viewing the Reformation as a top-down process driven by elites, Kaufman argues that it was deeply influenced by the active participation and engagement of ordinary individuals. England became a Protestant nation not in spite of its people but through their active social, political, and religious involvement in creating a new church in England.

"A Peoples Reformation" takes readers on a journey through the pews, reimagining the lived experiences and fierce negotiations between church and state in the parishes of Elizabethan England. By placing ordinary people at the center of local, cultural, and political history, Kaufman offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the Reformation's transformative effects on the world.

Through her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Kaufman challenges traditional narratives of the Reformation and sheds light on the complex and multifaceted ways in which it shaped society, culture, and politics. This book is a valuable contribution to the field of religious history, offering a fresh perspective on an important period in European history.

Weight: 574g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780228016809