Both church and state have both been large parts of the English culture for great amounts of time. But not only in England but also through out Europe itself. Dividing church from state would be difficult at the times of Becket and King Henry II. The pope seemed more powerful then some kings. Yet some kings believed they were the power that ruled all. That was the problem that came between Thomas Becket and King Henry II of England. Neither one knew which had more power. King Henry believed that he was king, so he had all the power in the world. Becket might not have believed that he was all-powerful but he did know that he was the Archbishop of Canterbury, the most powerful religious position in England at the time.
King Henry and Becket were good friends in the beginning. King Henry called him "my valet" when Becket wiped him dry in the beginning. Becket answered " I am your servant, that all." Meaning that he loved his king and wanted to help him in every way that he could. King Henry secured Becket's places af
Henry wrote up the Constitution of Clarendon, which was used to control the church. The constitution only resulted in more problems between him and Becket. King Henry's idea for making Becket the archbishop of Canterbury was an idea for him to unite church with state more. Henry was hoping that if he succeeded in this he could power church with state. This way he would have all power. Yet, Henry did not succeed because Becket didn't think that the state should have power over the church. Being the archbishop of Canterbury went to Becket's head. Ending a wonderful friendship and the death of a man with no other thought from Becket. All that King Henry wanted was to have Becket by his side as a friend and a trustee. But Becket never allowed it; Becket wanted the church to be equal with state. Not in the beginning though. Becket says, " in the hazards of seafaring, the instinct of self-preservation has always told men that there must be one and only one master on board ship." Meaning that he believed and was loyal to the king. Becket feels pity for the
All papers and essays are for research and reference purposes only!
Copyright 2002-2009
Direct Essays , LLC. All Rights Reserved. DMCA Webmasters make $$$$