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John Fisher was born in London around the year 1500.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher was born in Beverley, Yorkshire, England, around 1469, not in London around 1500.
John Fisher's father, Robert Fisher, was a wealthy merchant involved in the wool trade.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher's father, Robert Fisher, was a mercer, a type of merchant, but not specifically involved in the wool trade as described.
John Fisher began his academic career at the University of Oxford at a young age.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher commenced his academic studies at the University of Cambridge, not Oxford, at a young age.
William Melton, a theologian at Michaelhouse, Cambridge, had a significant pastoral influence on John Fisher.
Answer: True
Explanation: William Melton, a theologian associated with Michaelhouse College at Cambridge, exerted a notable pastoral influence on John Fisher during his formative years.
John Fisher earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oxford University in 1487.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1487 from the University of Cambridge, not Oxford.
Regarding his birth, where and approximately when was John Fisher born?
Answer: Yorkshire, England, around 1469
Explanation: John Fisher's place of birth was Beverley, Yorkshire, England, with his birth occurring approximately around October 19, 1469.
What was the occupation of John Fisher's father?
Answer: A mercer
Explanation: John Fisher's father, Robert Fisher, was a mercer, a merchant of fine textiles and goods, based in Beverley, Yorkshire.
At what university did John Fisher begin his studies, and at what approximate age?
Answer: Cambridge University, at age 12 or 13
Explanation: John Fisher commenced his academic pursuits at the University of Cambridge in the year 1482, at the tender age of twelve or thirteen.
Which theologian at Michaelhouse, Cambridge, influenced John Fisher with his pastoral focus?
Answer: William Melton
Explanation: William Melton, a theologian affiliated with Michaelhouse College at Cambridge, significantly influenced John Fisher. Melton was recognized for his pastoral orientation and his receptiveness to the emerging intellectual currents of the Renaissance.
What academic degrees did John Fisher obtain from Cambridge University?
Answer: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts
Explanation: From the University of Cambridge, John Fisher obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1487 and subsequently a Master of Arts degree in 1491. He was also elected a fellow of his college in the same year he received his M.A.
John Fisher served as the Bishop of Rochester for over 30 years.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher held the position of Bishop of Rochester for 31 years, from 1504 until his execution in 1535.
John Fisher was ordained as a priest before reaching the canonical age, requiring a special papal dispensation.
Answer: True
Explanation: A special papal dispensation was indeed required for John Fisher's ordination as a priest, as he was ordained prior to reaching the canonical age.
John Fisher played a key role in establishing educational institutions for Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher was instrumental in establishing educational institutions, notably for Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII, including her significant contributions to Cambridge University.
John Fisher was appointed Chancellor of Cambridge University in 1501.
Answer: False
Explanation: While John Fisher served as Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University in 1501, his appointment as Chancellor occurred later, and he held that position for ten years.
Fisher's strategy for promoting scholarship at Cambridge included attracting European scholars and promoting classical studies.
Answer: True
Explanation: Bishop Fisher's strategy for advancing scholarship at Cambridge involved actively recruiting distinguished European scholars and fostering the study of classical languages and literature.
The Diocese of Rochester, where Fisher served as bishop, was considered the wealthiest diocese in England at the time.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Diocese of Rochester, during Fisher's tenure, was notably the poorest diocese in England, not the wealthiest.
John Fisher served as President of Queens' College, Cambridge, from 1505 to 1508.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher held the position of President of Queens' College, Cambridge, during the period of 1505 to 1508.
John Fisher helped found Christ's College and St John's College at Cambridge.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher played a pivotal role, alongside Lady Margaret Beaufort, in the establishment of both Christ's College and St John's College at Cambridge University.
John Fisher served as chaplain and confessor to which important figure?
Answer: Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII
Explanation: John Fisher served as the esteemed chaplain and confessor to Margaret Beaufort, the Countess of Richmond and Derby. He played a crucial role in facilitating her establishment of St John's and Christ's Colleges at Cambridge, as well as a Lady Margaret Professorship of Divinity at both Cambridge and Oxford Universities.
What was John Fisher's strategy for promoting scholarship at Cambridge?
Answer: Attracting European scholars and promoting classical languages.
Explanation: Bishop Fisher's strategy for advancing scholarship at Cambridge entailed the acquisition of financial resources and the recruitment of preeminent scholars from continental Europe. His initiatives promoted the study of Classical Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, while also stressing the importance of pastoral dedication and effective preaching among the academic faculty.
What was notable about the Diocese of Rochester when Fisher was appointed Bishop?
Answer: It was the poorest diocese in England.
Explanation: John Fisher was appointed Bishop of Rochester on October 14, 1504, a position secured through the personal advocacy of King Henry VII. It is noteworthy that the Diocese of Rochester was, at that juncture, the poorest ecclesiastical diocese in England.
What was John Fisher's role in the establishment of colleges at Cambridge, alongside Lady Margaret Beaufort?
Answer: He was instrumental in founding St John's College and Christ's College.
Explanation: In collaboration with his patroness, Lady Margaret Beaufort, John Fisher was instrumental in the establishment of both St John's College and Christ's College at Cambridge, thereby demonstrating a profound commitment to the advancement of higher education.
John Fisher refused to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, leading to his execution.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fisher's steadfast refusal to recognize Henry VIII's claim as Supreme Head of the Church of England was the direct cause of his condemnation and subsequent execution.
John Fisher was a proponent of the Protestant Reformation and translated the Bible into English.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to the statement, John Fisher was a staunch opponent of the Protestant Reformation and remained loyal to the Catholic Church. He did not translate the Bible into English.
John Fisher was the first theologian to identify justification by faith alone as the core doctrine of the Protestant Reformation.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher is recognized as the first theologian to accurately identify 'justification by faith alone' as the central tenet of the Protestant Reformation.
John Fisher supported Henry VIII's annulment from Catherine of Aragon.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher was a staunch opponent of Henry VIII's annulment from Catherine of Aragon, defending the validity of their marriage.
In 1529, John Fisher warned Parliament that their actions could lead to the destruction of the Church in England.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1529, Bishop Fisher cautioned Parliament that their legislative actions concerning church matters posed a significant risk of leading to the ultimate destruction of the Church in England.
Fisher's efforts in 1531 secured an unconditional acknowledgment of Henry VIII as the supreme head of the Church.
Answer: False
Explanation: Fisher's efforts in 1531 secured the clergy's acknowledgment of Henry VIII as supreme head of the Church, but crucially included the qualifying phrase 'so far as God's law permits,' making it conditional.
John Fisher's defense of Catherine of Aragon was significant because it earned him the King's favor.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher's defense of Catherine of Aragon was significant not for earning the King's favor, but for directly challenging Henry VIII's annulment and incurring his severe displeasure.
John Fisher steadfastly refused to accept the King's supremacy over the Church of England.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher maintained a steadfast refusal to acknowledge King Henry VIII's claim to be the Supreme Head of the Church of England, adhering to his loyalty to papal authority.
John Fisher is credited with identifying which concept as the foundational dogma of the Protestant Reformation?
Answer: Justification through faith alone.
Explanation: John Fisher is recognized as the inaugural theologian to precisely identify 'justification through faith alone' as the fundamental dogma underpinning the Protestant Reformation.
In the controversy over Henry VIII's marriage, John Fisher took which position?
Answer: He became the chief supporter of Queen Catherine of Aragon.
Explanation: During the contentious period of Henry VIII's pursuit of an annulment from Catherine of Aragon, John Fisher emerged as the principal advocate for Queen Catherine. He notably appeared in court on her behalf and avowed his willingness to perish for the principle of marriage's indissolubility.
What warning did John Fisher issue to Parliament in 1529?
Answer: That Parliament's encroachment on church prerogatives could destroy the Church in England.
Explanation: In November 1529, Bishop Fisher issued a solemn warning to Parliament, asserting that their legislative encroachments upon the Catholic Church's established prerogatives carried the potential to precipitate the Church's complete destruction in England.
How did Fisher's actions influence the clergy's acknowledgment of Henry VIII's authority in 1531?
Answer: He secured the addition of a clause limiting the King's supremacy to 'so far as God's law permits'.
Explanation: The Convocation of the clergy in February 1531 was compelled to remit a substantial sum to the King and acknowledge Henry as the supreme head of the Church in England. Critically, Fisher's intervention secured the inclusion of the qualifying phrase 'so far as God's law permits,' thereby rendering the acknowledgment conditional.
King Henry VIII ordered the execution of the cook responsible for poisoning Fisher's household.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following a poisoning incident in 1531 that affected members of his household, King Henry VIII ordered the execution of the cook, Richard Roose, by boiling.
John Fisher was imprisoned in the Tower of London for refusing to take an oath related to the succession of Henry VIII's children.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher was incarcerated in the Tower of London in April 1534 due to his refusal to swear the oath mandated by the First Succession Act, which concerned the legitimacy of Henry VIII's children with Anne Boleyn.
Richard Rich tricked John Fisher into publicly supporting the King's supremacy over the Church.
Answer: False
Explanation: Richard Rich deceived John Fisher by eliciting his true opinion, leading Fisher to publicly deny, rather than support, the King's supremacy over the Church.
Pope Paul III created John Fisher a Cardinal in May 1535, hoping to protect him.
Answer: True
Explanation: In May 1535, Pope Paul III elevated John Fisher to the rank of Cardinal, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to shield him from King Henry VIII's persecution.
Henry VIII reacted favorably to Fisher's appointment as a cardinal, welcoming the cardinal's hat into England.
Answer: False
Explanation: King Henry VIII reacted with extreme displeasure to Fisher's cardinalate, forbidding the cardinal's hat from entering England and reportedly stating Fisher's head would be sent to Rome instead.
John Fisher was tried and condemned for treason based on his denial of the King's title as Supreme Head of the Church.
Answer: True
Explanation: The charge of treason for which John Fisher was tried and condemned stemmed directly from his persistent denial of King Henry VIII's claim to be the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
John Fisher's sentence of beheading was commuted from hanging, drawing, and quartering to avoid public sympathy.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher's sentence of death by hanging, drawing, and quartering was commuted to beheading, a modification likely intended to prevent public sympathy and avoid executing him on a significant religious feast day.
John Fisher was executed on June 22, 1535, in Cambridge.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher was executed on June 22, 1535, but this occurred on Tower Hill in London, not in Cambridge.
After his execution, John Fisher's head was displayed on London Bridge for several weeks.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following his execution, John Fisher's head was displayed on London Bridge, but for approximately two weeks, not 'several weeks,' before being removed.
The Bill of Attainder against John Fisher in 1534 resulted in his immediate release after paying a fine.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bill of Attainder passed against John Fisher in 1534 resulted in his forfeiture of property and imprisonment, not immediate release.
Why was John Fisher executed by King Henry VIII?
Answer: For refusing to acknowledge the King's supremacy over the Church of England.
Explanation: John Fisher's execution was precipitated by his unwavering refusal to acknowledge King Henry VIII's claim as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This stance stemmed from his adherence to the Catholic Church's doctrine of papal supremacy and its autonomy from secular authority.
What happened to the cook responsible for poisoning John Fisher's household in 1531?
Answer: The cook was executed by being boiled alive.
Explanation: In 1531, a poisoning incident occurred within John Fisher's household, where several individuals fell ill and two succumbed after consuming contaminated porridge. In response, King Henry VIII ordered the cook, Richard Roose, to be executed by boiling, a punishment enacted under a retroactive statute.
Why was John Fisher imprisoned in the Tower of London in April 1534?
Answer: For refusing to take the oath required by the First Succession Act.
Explanation: John Fisher's imprisonment in the Tower of London commenced on April 26, 1534, stemming from his refusal to subscribe to the oath mandated by the First Succession Act, which legitimized Henry VIII's offspring with Anne Boleyn. He remained incarcerated for more than a year.
How did Richard Rich deceive John Fisher regarding the King's title?
Answer: By stating the King secretly wished to know his true opinion for conscience's sake.
Explanation: Richard Rich employed deception to elicit John Fisher's true sentiments, falsely asserting that the King earnestly desired his candid opinion for the sake of his conscience. Trusting Rich's representation, Fisher reiterated his conviction that the King did not constitute the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
What honor did Pope Paul III bestow upon John Fisher in May 1535?
Answer: Creation as a Cardinal Priest of San Vitale.
Explanation: In May 1535, Pope Paul III conferred upon John Fisher the honor of creation as Cardinal Priest of San Vitale, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to afford him greater protection from King Henry VIII.
How did King Henry VIII react to John Fisher's appointment as a cardinal?
Answer: He forbade the cardinal's hat from entering England and threatened Fisher.
Explanation: King Henry VIII responded with pronounced hostility to Fisher's elevation to cardinal, decreeing that the cardinal's hat should not enter England and reportedly declaring that Fisher's head would be dispatched to Rome in its stead.
For what primary charge was John Fisher tried and condemned?
Answer: Treason for denying the King's supremacy
Explanation: John Fisher was subjected to trial and subsequently condemned on the charge of treason, predicated upon his persistent denial of the King's assertion of authority as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
John Fisher's sentence of hanging, drawing, and quartering was commuted to beheading. Why might this have occurred?
Answer: To avoid executing him on the feast day of St. John the Baptist and prevent public sympathy.
Explanation: John Fisher's sentence of death by hanging, drawing, and quartering was commuted to beheading, a modification likely intended to prevent public sympathy and avoid executing him on a significant religious feast day.
Where was John Fisher executed?
Answer: On Tower Hill in London
Explanation: John Fisher met his execution on Tower Hill, London, on June 22, 1535.
What happened to John Fisher's head after his execution?
Answer: It was displayed on London Bridge for two weeks before being thrown into the Thames.
Explanation: Following John Fisher's execution, his head was publicly displayed upon a pole atop London Bridge. After approximately two weeks, it was removed and cast into the Thames, reportedly due to its unnervingly lifelike appearance attracting undue attention.
What was the outcome of the Bill of Attainder passed against John Fisher in 1534?
Answer: Forfeiture of his personal estate and imprisonment.
Explanation: The Bill of Attainder enacted against John Fisher in 1534 stipulated the forfeiture of all his personal estate and his imprisonment during the King's pleasure. However, he was subsequently pardoned following the payment of a considerable fine.
John Fisher was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1935.
Answer: True
Explanation: Pope Pius XI canonized John Fisher as a saint on May 19, 1935, recognizing his martyrdom during the English Reformation.
The shared feast day of John Fisher and Thomas More is celebrated on July 6th.
Answer: False
Explanation: The shared feast day for Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More is June 22nd, not July 6th.
John Fisher was known for his jovial nature and often used humor in his sermons.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher was characterized by his austerity and seriousness, rather than a jovial nature; he was not known for using humor in his sermons.
Erasmus praised John Fisher, describing him as lacking in learning and greatness of soul.
Answer: False
Explanation: The humanist scholar Erasmus held John Fisher in high esteem, describing him as 'incomparable' for his uprightness, learning, and greatness of soul, directly contradicting the assertion.
John Fisher is noted as the only cardinal in a millennium to have suffered martyrdom.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historians, such as Eamon Duffy, note that John Fisher holds the unique distinction of being the only cardinal in a millennium to have suffered martyrdom.
John Fisher was added to the Church of England's calendar of saints in 1980.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1980, John Fisher was commemorated in the calendar of the Church of England as a Reformation Martyr, alongside Thomas More.
Fisher House, named after John Fisher, serves as the Catholic Chaplaincy for Cambridge University.
Answer: True
Explanation: Fisher House, an institution named in honor of John Fisher, functions as the Catholic Chaplaincy for students and faculty at the University of Cambridge.
St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, is named after the American educator John Dewey.
Answer: False
Explanation: St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York, is named in honor of Saint John Fisher, the English martyr, not the American educator John Dewey.
Hans Holbein the Younger painted one of the most prominent portraits of John Fisher.
Answer: True
Explanation: The renowned artist Hans Holbein the Younger created one of the most significant and recognizable portraits of John Fisher.
The walking-staff of John Fisher is currently held by the Eyston family.
Answer: True
Explanation: A notable relic, the walking-staff attributed to John Fisher, is presently preserved by the Eyston family.
Joseph O'Conor portrayed John Fisher in the 1969 film 'Anne of the Thousand Days'.
Answer: True
Explanation: The role of John Fisher in the 1969 historical drama film 'Anne of the Thousand Days' was portrayed by the actor Joseph O'Conor.
Richard Durden portrayed John Fisher in the 2015 miniseries 'Wolf Hall'.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 2015 television miniseries 'Wolf Hall,' the character of John Fisher was portrayed by the actor Richard Durden.
When was John Fisher canonized, and by which Pope?
Answer: 1935 by Pope Pius XI.
Explanation: The canonization of John Fisher occurred on May 19, 1935, under the authority of Pope Pius XI. This solemn act, prompted by petitions from English Catholics, formally recognized him as a significant martyr of the English Reformation.
What is the shared feast day for Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More?
Answer: June 22nd
Explanation: Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More, both revered martyrs of the English Reformation, share a common feast day observed on June 22nd within the General Roman Calendar of the Catholic Church.
How did Erasmus describe John Fisher's character?
Answer: As incomparable for his uprightness, learning, and greatness of soul.
Explanation: The esteemed humanist scholar Erasmus lauded John Fisher, characterizing him as 'incomparable' due to his profound uprightness of life, intellectual acumen, and nobility of spirit.
According to Eamon Duffy, what is unique about John Fisher's status as a cardinal?
Answer: He was the only cardinal in a millennium to have suffered martyrdom.
Explanation: As observed by historian Eamon Duffy, John Fisher possesses the singular historical distinction of being the sole cardinal within a millennium to have endured martyrdom.
What is Fisher House at Cambridge University?
Answer: The Cambridge University Catholic Chaplaincy.
Explanation: Fisher House functions as the official Catholic Chaplaincy for the University of Cambridge, bearing the name in honor of John Fisher.
Which artist is known for painting one of the most prominent portraits of John Fisher?
Answer: Hans Holbein the Younger
Explanation: The renowned artist Hans Holbein the Younger is credited with painting one of the most significant and enduring portraits of John Fisher, which is presently housed within the Royal Collection.
In the 2015 miniseries 'Wolf Hall', which actor portrayed John Fisher?
Answer: Richard Durden
Explanation: In the 2015 television miniseries 'Wolf Hall,' the character of John Fisher was portrayed by the actor Richard Durden.
One of John Fisher's early writings, published in 1508, was titled 'Confutation of the Lutheran Assertions'.
Answer: False
Explanation: The writing published by John Fisher in 1508 was titled 'Treatise concernynge ... the seven penytencyall Psalms,' not 'Confutation of the Lutheran Assertions,' which was a later work.
John Fisher's 1523 work refuting Martin Luther was titled 'Assertionis Lutheranae Confutatio'.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Fisher's significant work refuting Martin Luther's theological positions, published in 1523, bore the Latin title 'Assertionis Lutheranae Confutatio'.
John Fisher's writings were mainly focused on political theory and statecraft.
Answer: False
Explanation: John Fisher's literary output primarily comprised ascetical and controversial theological treatises, rather than works on political theory or statecraft.
In a 1526 sermon, John Fisher offered to secretly meet Lutherans to understand and persuade them back to Catholicism.
Answer: True
Explanation: In a 1526 sermon, John Fisher extended an offer to meet privately with Lutherans, expressing a desire to understand their perspectives and persuade them to return to the Catholic faith.
Which of the following is a known writing by John Fisher published in 1508?
Answer: Treatise concernynge ... the seven penytencyall Psalms
Explanation: A notable early work by John Fisher, published in 1508, bears the title 'Treatise concernynge ... the seven penytencyall Psalms'.
What was the purpose of John Fisher's 1526 sermon regarding Lutherans?
Answer: To offer a secret meeting to understand their views and persuade them back to Catholicism.
Explanation: During a sermon delivered in 1526, John Fisher extended an offer to engage in private discussions with any Lutheran individual, aiming to comprehend their theological perspectives and persuade them to reintegrate into the Catholic faith, expressing confidence in the potential for shared understanding.
Who was John Fisher and what were his primary roles mentioned in the source?
Answer: The Bishop of Rochester, Chancellor of Cambridge University, and a recognized saint.
Explanation: John Fisher was a distinguished English Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of Rochester for over three decades (1504-1535). His significant roles also included serving as Chancellor of the University of Cambridge and, posthumously, being recognized as a martyr and saint by the Catholic Church.