Children of Light and Truth (2):Thomas More_Scholar, Statesman, and Martyr
Sylvanus Maria Mgbechukwu, Researcher, Poet, Author, Activist, Administrator and Writer, is the founder of Direction Arena and BestAdviceForAll.Com, a forum and platform dedicated and committed to Truth and Rectitude, where people could find Illumination, Direction, Sound Advice, Guidance, Inspiration, Tips, Assistance, Support Or Help, to guide them in this “modern” world that have become a dark jungle and forest of dangerous ideologies, philosophies, ideas, learning, lies, propaganda and miseducation that ruin people due to lack of direction, guidance or enlightenment.
Thomas More, also known as Saint Thomas More, is a key figure in English history, celebrated for his intellectual prowess, principled stand, and ultimate martyrdom. Born in 1478, More rose to prominence as a lawyer, humanist scholar, and advisor to King Henry VIII. His unwavering adherence to his moral and religious convictions, even in the face of death, has immortalized him as a symbol of integrity and resistance to tyranny.
Early Life and Education
Thomas More was born in London on February 7, 1478, the son of Sir John More, a successful lawyer. His father's influence and connections facilitated More’s early exposure to the legal profession and humanist studies. He was educated at St. Anthony's School and later attended the University of Oxford, where he studied Latin and Greek, developing a deep appreciation for classical literature and philosophy.
More's intellectual pursuits continued with legal training at New Inn and Lincoln's Inn, leading to a successful career as a lawyer. His academic inclinations, however, drew him into the circle of Renaissance humanists, where he formed lasting friendships with notable figures like Desiderius Erasmus.
Career and Contributions
More's career was marked by a blend of public service and scholarly work. In 1504, he entered Parliament, where he quickly gained a reputation for his eloquence and integrity. He continued to rise through the ranks, holding various positions, including Under-Sheriff of London and Master of Requests.
In 1516, More published his most famous work, "Utopia." This socio-political satire presented an idealized society on an imaginary island, critiquing contemporary European practices and proposing radical ideas on governance, property, and religion. "Utopia" showcased More's humanist beliefs and his vision for a just society, and it remains a seminal text in political philosophy.
Service to the Crown
Thomas More's legal and diplomatic skills brought him to the attention of King Henry VIII. In 1518, he became a member of the Privy Council, and in 1529, he succeeded Thomas Wolsey as Lord Chancellor of England, the first layperson to hold this position. As Lord Chancellor, More was known for his efficiency, fairness, and steadfast opposition to corruption.
Despite his loyalty to the king, More's principled stance on matters of faith soon put him at odds with Henry VIII, especially regarding the king's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Henry’s subsequent break with the Catholic Church and establishment of the Church of England, with himself as its head, presented a moral and religious crisis for More.
Conflict and Martyrdom
Thomas More's devout Catholicism and allegiance to the Pope made it impossible for him to support Henry VIII’s separation from the Roman Church. More resigned as Lord Chancellor in 1532, citing health reasons, but his true motive was his unwillingness to endorse the king's actions.
In 1534, More refused to swear the Oath of Supremacy, which recognized Henry as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This act of defiance led to his arrest and imprisonment in the Tower of London. Despite intense pressure, More remained steadfast in his beliefs.
In July 1535, More was tried for treason. His eloquent defense and principled arguments were not enough to save him from the predetermined verdict. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. On July 6, 1535, Thomas More was executed by beheading. His final words were a testament to his faith: "I die the king's good servant, but God's first."
Legacy
Thomas More was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1935, and he is venerated as a saint and martyr. His life and writings continue to inspire and provoke thought. "Utopia" remains a cornerstone of political and social philosophy, and his letters and other writings offer insights into the turbulent period of the English Reformation.
More’s legacy is multifaceted. He is remembered as a brilliant humanist scholar who contributed significantly to Renaissance thought, a dedicated public servant who upheld justice and integrity, and a martyr who sacrificed his life for his religious convictions. His story is a powerful reminder of the enduring conflict between personal conscience and political authority, and his unwavering commitment to his principles continues to resonate through the ages.
Thomas More’s life exemplifies the intersection of intellectual brilliance, moral integrity, and steadfast faith. His contributions to literature, law, and political thought have left an indelible mark on history. More’s principled stand against the tyranny of his time and his ultimate sacrifice highlight the profound impact that one individual’s unwavering commitment to their beliefs can have. As a scholar, statesman, and martyr, Thomas More’s legacy endures as a beacon of courage and integrity in the face of oppression.
My Understanding And Position
Life on earth is a battle between good and evil. A mortal combat where the forces of evil seeks to seize humans prisoners _by their ideologies, policies, philosophies, plots and schemes, _and drag them into their repulsive, loathsome dungeon where they were accursed, because of their evil propensity and preferences, to be fed on by the torments of darkness, unquenchable fire and worms that die not. (cf: Mark 9:48 )
God is good. And God is just. He will certainly deal with the devil and his followers as He fore-warned in the Holy Scriptures. This is part of Jesus' teaching about the consequences of sin and the reality of hell.
In view of the dangers and perils posed to earthlings by the forces and agents of evil, we must learn to sacrifice everything, even our lives _if it comes to that, to save as much people as possible from their enchanted snares and trappings.
We must be bold, brave and daring to warn people that our sworn enemies _ the forces and agents of evil, package and present their enchanted snares and traps as the various philosophies, ideologies,“findings”, polices, religions, beliefs, ideas, plots and schemes, whose ends, whether motivated by power, ideology, or personal gain, are to bring about suffering, deaths, destruction, controversy and eventual perdition.
It is heartwarming and commendable that many wise and discerning men and women have fought a good fight for humanity, salvaging as many people as they could from the deceptions, manipulations, chains and shackles of the forces and agents of evil.
However, it is quite distressing and regrettable that many others, who didn't really understand life, and having consequently reduced it to a mere acquisition of wealth, power and position, used them to lure and ensnare people to their eventual perdition through the ideas, ideologies, policies, plots and schemes they espouse and pursue.
Their legacies serve as reminders of the impact that power, ideology, and personal ambition can have on the world, highlighting the importance of vigilance and accountability in leadership.
