Catholic Answers School of Apologetics: Henry VIII Online Course

Henry VIII gives Catholics the historical clarity to understand one of the most consequential breaks in Christian history—and explain what really happened when England separated from Rome.

Many people know the basic outline: Henry VIII wanted a divorce, the pope refused, and England broke from the Catholic Church. But the real story is far richer, more dramatic, and more revealing than the popular version suggests. This mini-course gives you a faithful, accessible, and historically grounded account of Henry VIII’s attempted annulment, the rise of Anne Boleyn, the fall of Catholic England, and the origins of the Church of England.

You’ll explore the marriage question at the center of the crisis, the role of Catherine of Aragon, the political ambitions of Henry’s advisers, and the courageous witness of St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher. You’ll also learn why England’s break with Rome was different from other Protestant Reformation movements—and why that difference matters.

Rather than reducing the story to royal scandal or anti-Catholic mythology, Henry VIII equips you to understand the actual historical, theological, and political forces behind the English Reformation. You’ll see how one king’s pursuit of power and passion reshaped England, weakened Catholic unity, and changed the religious history of the English-speaking world.

Whether you want to strengthen your knowledge of Church history, answer common misconceptions, or better understand the roots of Anglicanism and Protestantism in America, this course will help you speak about Henry VIII and the origins of the Church of England with confidence, accuracy, and charity.

Course Overview

Henry VIII examines the dramatic story of Henry VIII’s divorce, his break with Rome, and the origins of the Church of England. Learn how questions of marriage, authority, politics, and conscience converged in one of the most fateful events in Christian history.

Topics covered:

This course focuses on the historical and theological background of Henry VIII’s attempted annulment and the English break from Rome, helping Catholics understand what happened, why it mattered, and how to respond to common misunderstandings.

• Catholic England Before Henry VIII
• Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, and Anne Boleyn
• The Marriage Question and Canon Law
• Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, and Thomas Cranmer
• The Pope, Parliament, and the Break with Rome
• St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher
• The Origins of the Church of England
• The Lasting Impact of the English Reformation

Course Access
When you enroll in this online course, you’ll receive one full year of access from your enrollment date. That gives you plenty of time to watch the lessons, revisit key sections, and complete the course at a steady pace. After one year, access to the course materials, videos, downloads, quizzes, certificates, and related course features may expire.

Bulk Pricing for Parish or Classroom use is available. Please call our Customer Service Team at 1-888-291-8000 for more information.