Hamlet context

Hamlet context

Religion

Following Henry VIII’s separation from the Catholic Church, in 1553, he established the Protestant Church of England. For centuries, the conflict between Protestant and Catholicism played a primary role in shaping political and religious life, across Europe.

Catholicism

Protestantism

Authority

The Pope is considered a vicar for Christ.

The belief that no human is infallible and Jesus alone heads up the Church.

Place of worship

Religion is practiced in churches.

Protestants say all Christians can be saved, regardless of church membership.

Purgatory

Purgatory is a place of purification after a person dies where he achieves holiness to enter heaven.

Denies existence of Purgatory.

Figures

Catholics pray to saints, in addition to God and Jesus.

Protestants acknowledge saints, but don’t pray to them.

Sacraments/ ceremonies

Study of seven sacraments:  Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, Anointing of the Sick.

Visible manifestation of God's work through Baptism and Communion

As religion was a priority for the majority, the conflict between Catholicism and Protestantism caused a series…