Course Overview
Discover the dramatic story behind one of history’s most consequential royal scandals: Henry VIII’s break with Rome. This course traces the rise of the Tudor dynasty, the glory of Catholic England, Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, his obsession with Anne Boleyn, and the political maneuvering that led to the birth of the Church of England. Along the way, you’ll meet Saints, schemers, kings, queens, cardinals, and martyrs—and see how one monarch’s pursuit of power and passion changed the religious history of the world.
Skills covered in this course:
Christopher Check’s course will give you the historical, theological, and political context you need to understand Henry VIII’s divorce and the origins of the Church of England. Among many other things, you will learn how to:
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Explain why England’s break with Rome was different from other Protestant Reformation movements
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Understand the marriage question at the heart of Henry VIII’s attempted annulment
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Identify the key figures who shaped the crisis, including Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, Thomas Cranmer, St. Thomas More, and St. John Fisher
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Answer common misconceptions about Henry VIII, the Catholic Church, and the founding of the Church of England
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Describe how one king’s personal and political choices helped reshape the religious history of the English-speaking world
Meet Your Instructor
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Instructor
Christopher Check
A graduate of Rice University, Christopher Check is the president of Catholic Answers. He lectures on Church history, lives of saints, the culture war, and the dangers of modern communication technology. Chris appears frequently on Catholic Answers Live, and Catholic Answers FOCUS, both as a guest and host.
Course curriculum
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1
Introduction
- Download the course study guide
- Lesson 1: Introduction to Henry VIII
- Quiz: Introduction to Henry VIII
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2
Section One: The Roots of Henry VIII's Divorce
- Lesson 2: Christianity Comes to England
- Quiz: Christianity Comes to England
- Lesson 3: Henry Becomes King and Catherine of Aragon
- Quiz: Henry Becomes King and Catherine of Aragon
- Lesson 4: A Quick Lesson in Canon Law
- Quiz: A Quick Lesson in Canon Law
- Lesson 5: Henry Marries Catherine
- Quiz: Henry Marries Catherine
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3
Section Two: The Crisis Turns Against Rome
- Lesson 6: Lady Anne Boleyn
- Quiz: Lady Anne Boleyn
- Lesson 7: Cardinal Wolsey’s Solution
- Quiz: Cardinal Wolsey’s Solution
- Lesson 8: Henry Overplays His Hand
- Quiz: Henry Overplays His Hand
- Lesson 9: Cardinal Wolsey’s Fall
- Quiz: Cardinal Wolsey’s Fall
- Lesson 10: The Fight Intensifies
- Quiz: The Fight Intensifies
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4
Section Three: The Break with Rome and the Martyrs’ Witness
- Lesson 11: Henry Attacks the Clergy
- Quiz: Henry Attacks the Clergy
- Lesson 12: Thomas More
- Quiz: Thomas More
- Lesson 13: Cardinal Pole’s Letter
- Quiz: Cardinal Pole’s Letter
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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How long will I have access to the course?
You’ll have access to the course for one year from the date you enroll, so you can work through the lessons at your own pace and revisit the material as needed.
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Is this course self-paced?
Yes. You can begin whenever you’re ready and move through the lessons on your own schedule.
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How do I access the course after purchase?
After enrolling, you’ll receive instructions by email for accessing the course through our online learning platform.