Discuss the influence of the New Learning on the Tudor reformation.

The New Learning significantly influenced the Tudor reformation by providing intellectual justification for religious and political changes.

The New Learning, also known as Humanism, was a cultural and intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasised the value and agency of human beings. It was characterised by a revival of classical learning and a shift in focus from religious to secular concerns. This movement had a profound influence on the Tudor reformation, a period of significant religious and political change in England during the 16th century.

One of the key ways in which the New Learning influenced the Tudor reformation was by providing intellectual justification for the break with Rome. Humanist scholars such as Desiderius Erasmus and Thomas More, who were influential in the Tudor court, promoted the idea of a return to the original sources of Christianity, including the Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers. This idea, known as 'ad fontes' or 'to the sources', was used by Henry VIII and his advisers to argue that the Pope had no legitimate authority over the English Church, as this was not supported by the original sources of Christianity.

The New Learning also influenced the Tudor reformation by promoting the idea of the 'priesthood of all believers'. This idea, which was central to the Protestant Reformation, held that all Christians had direct access to God and could interpret the Bible for themselves. This was a radical departure from the traditional Catholic belief in the necessity of a priestly intermediary. The New Learning helped to spread this idea in England, leading to a decline in the power of the clergy and an increase in the power of the monarchy.

Furthermore, the New Learning encouraged a more critical approach to religious texts. Humanist scholars were known for their rigorous textual analysis and their willingness to question established interpretations. This critical approach was adopted by the reformers in the Tudor court, who used it to challenge the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church. This led to significant changes in the English Church, including the translation of the Bible into English and the creation of the Book of Common Prayer.

In conclusion, the New Learning had a significant influence on the Tudor reformation. It provided intellectual justification for the break with Rome, promoted the idea of the 'priesthood of all believers', and encouraged a more critical approach to religious texts. These ideas were adopted by the Tudor court and led to significant religious and political changes in England.