Tag Archives: Roman Catholic Church
Two Archbishops of Canterbury, Four Hundred Years Apart
Thomas Becket and Thomas Cranmer I had this nagging feeling when I started the run of four Tudor men with the name of Thomas that one of them might be the reincarnation of Thomas Becket. Finally, I compared Becket with … Continue reading
Leader of the English Reformation Burned as a Heretic
Thomas Cranmer (July 2, 1489 – March 21, 1556) This is the final one of the four men named Thomas who lived during Henry VIII’s reign, and had something to do with the creation of the Church of England. Thomas … Continue reading
He Blurred the Line Between Church and State
Thomas Wolsey (March 7, 1471 – November 29, 1530) I cannot say for sure who really was the villain of the piece, but Cardinal Wolsey comes close to the top of my list of the usual suspects. Thomas Wolsey (c. … Continue reading
I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine
Augustine of Hippo (November 13, 354 AD – August 28, 430 AD) It’s a long road that brings me to this important Roman Catholic Church Doctor. It was triggered by the title of Bob Dylan’s song, which came to me … Continue reading
A 16th Century Gnostic?
Desiderius Erasmus (October 28, 1466 – July 12, 1536) The story of his life is interesting, to say the least. He didn’t need the outward signs and rites of the Roman Catholic Church: he had a direct relationship with God. … Continue reading
In Those Days, Saying Less was More Prudent
Sir Thomas More (February 7, 1478 – July 6, 1535) I’m getting a bit ahead of myself, here. I’m about to start Peter Ackroyd’s book “Tudors” but I got prompted by a suggested YouTube video of More and Wolsey discussing … Continue reading
What Should We Do About Criminous Clerks?
Why Henry II and Thomas Becket Fell Out For friends and partners-in-crime, it took an age-old problem to split them up: handing over priests and other clergy who have committed secular crimes to the justice system of the country, not … Continue reading
“Here Comes the Son!”
Miracle of the Sun (Fatima – October 13, 1917) There must have been something in the air that day. Expectation of a miracle, for one thing. And that rainstorm must have stirred up a lot of dust on the Santos … Continue reading
Could a 1st Century Conquest be Echoed in the 13th Century?
The Destruction of the Second Temple (August 4, 70 AD) Sometimes, I surprise even myself. No, I am not putting myself in the thick of things during Titus’ destruction of Jerusalem, but I am being shown some interesting echoes. The … Continue reading
Paranoia: Were Saul of Tarsus and Josephus Contemporaries?
The Devil’s in their Details Except for the Acts of the Apostles, and Paul’s letters in the New Testament, there would be no other ‘proof’ of his existence. Isn’t it interesting how awkward that makes it for anyone believing his … Continue reading
