by Max C

Created on: July 13, 2010

    There are many conspiracy theories that state that Shakespeare and his family were secretly devout Catholics, during a time in England, where non-Anglicans were often persecuted for treason. But the truth of the matter is more complicated then one would think. Evidence comes up inconclusive when trying to determine what Shakespeare really believed. Some think that his works give proof of his Protestantism, while others attribute the same characteristics to being proof of his Catholicism. Whatever Shakespeare's beliefs were, they remain extremely well hidden, if illustrated at all. Whether they were in plain view, or guarded jealously, it is unlikely we will ever know for certain.

    The leading argument in favor of a Catholic Shakespeare seems to be founded on the thesis that his writings and works are distinctly pro-Catholic. Within this argument however, remains an obstructive corollary between faiths. In the 16th century, tensions finally broke between Rome and Henry VII (Sexton). This schism caused Henry to break off with the Catholic Church and create his own, nearly identical branch, the Church of England. The difference between these two churches wasn't in the tenet of their faith, but more of how the church hierarchy was structured. Any and all beliefs that may have been professed by Shakespeare through his works, could have been easily mistaken for one faith or the other.

    Whence looked at overall, the issue of whether Shakespeare was Catholic or not, is irrelevant. It is fair to say that we may be able to distinguish a few of his beliefs, but claiming them to be Anglican or Catholic is irrelevant and pointless, with few discernible theological differences between the two branches of Christianity. The main difference in the life of Shakespeare was between being persecuted for believing one thing and carrying a certain title, and continuing life normally, believing the same thing only being exempt from persecution.

  It is very likely that we will never learn what Shakespeare's true beliefs were. Even to this day, Catholics try to claim him as one of their own, as do Protestants. The matter still remains irrelevant, the fact being nothing but trivia. Shakespeare still penned many a great play and sonnet and will be remembered for that fact rather than small differences in belief. If the answer to the posed question is ever discovered, it will not matter one bit.

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