Middle Ground - Queen Elizabeth I

1533–1603

She is one of the giants of English history, largely because no one expected much of her. Her father, King Henry VIII, was disappointed that she was a girl. Her Catholic subjects were disappointed that she was Protestant. Many of her Protestant subjects were disappointed that she wasn’t Protestant enough. And a number of English noblemen were disappointed that she wouldn’t marry them.

Elizabeth shrewdly held on to her power, attracting suitors but remaining unattached—England’s “virgin queen.” During her lengthy reign, England established itself as a world power. Elizabeth was also shrewd in her management of the volatile religious situation in England. In a time when Catholics were battling several brands of Protestantism across Europe, Elizabeth steered a middle course for the Church of England that remains in effect today. This hybrid of Catholic and Protestant ways drew gripes from nearly everyone, but actually provided a framework for peace and national stability. History hails Henry VIII as the royal founder of the Anglican church, and certainly his brash opposition to the pope provided the impetus, but it was really Elizabeth who grounded the church, who helped it find its unique identity.

We’re not saying that she was a spiritual giant. She was primarily a political creature, and she would sometimes deal violently with those who threatened the nation’s stability. In general, she seemed rather private about her personal beliefs. She liked the “high” forms of Catholic worship but appreciated the Protestant emphasis on personal conscience. Some say she was ahead of her time in promoting religious liberty, declaring that she had “no desire to make windows into men’s souls.” Late in her reign, she announced, “There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith. All else is a dispute over trifles.”

The world has changed since then, and it hasn’t. Freedom of personal conscience is widely accepted, yet religious violence continues. Even Christians can get caught up in hateful rhetoric against those with other beliefs. We need wisdom and shrewdness to steer a middle course—upholding the truth of Christ, but also expressing his love. Maybe we all need a little more Elizabeth in us—tenaciously guarding a tenuous peace.

Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7