Scripture and Royal Supremacy in Tudor England. The Use of Old Testament Historical Narrative

This detailed treatise comprehensively examines a topic much debated by scholars: the supporting hermeneutic for the biblical doctrine of Royal Supremacy. This hermeneutic is fundamental for the establishment of national churches, specifically the Church of England. in this instance, deriving from it a biblical doctrine of Kingship. The author examines the development of the doctrine of Royal Supremacy, beginning with Henry VIII and continuing up to Elizabeth I and the passage of the Act of Supremacy in 1559. He contrasts scriptural discussions connected with Royal Supremacy found in polemical works, beginning with those of John Jewel and proceeding to those written by Richard Hooker, with the writings of opposing Catholic and Presbyterian theologians. At the same time, Professor Gazal demonstrates that the understanding of the underlying scriptural hermeneutic was subject to change with the passage of time. It was nonetheless sufficiently persuasive to postpone open conflict in England until the middle of the seventeenth century.