Queen Elizabeth I, one of England’s most iconic monarchs, is often remembered for her political acumen, her role in establishing Protestantism in England, and her leadership during a turbulent era marked by religious conflict. Yet, her personal religious beliefs and theological understanding reveal a far more nuanced and sophisticated figure—one whose faith was shaped by intellectual rigor, political pragmatism, and a remarkable degree of religious tolerance for her time.

Early Influences and Theological Foundations

Elizabeth’s formative years were deeply influenced by the Cambridge Reformers, a group of theologians and scholars who played a pivotal role in the English Reformation. These reformers advocated for a Protestant faith based on scripture and doctrinal purity, and their teachings permeated the education Elizabeth received as a young princess. Despite being raised in this environment and embracing Protestantism as the state religion, Elizabeth herself did not adopt the radical reformist zeal typical of many of her contemporaries.

Instead, she found comfort in the traditional elements of worship—rich choral music, majestic hymns, and the solemnity of liturgical ceremonies. Theology, for Elizabeth, was not merely a matter of dogma or political allegiance but an intellectual pursuit that provided her with deep satisfaction. She was known to have spent years studying theological works, declaring in 1566 that she had been immersed in theological study even before ascending the throne.

Her theological approach was marked by an enlightened pragmatism unusual in an age when religious fervor often led to persecution or execution. Elizabeth famously told the French ambassador André Hurault, Sieur de Maisse, that “Jesus Christ is one,” and that all other religious disputes were essentially irrelevant. This statement underscored her desire to rise above sectarian quarrels and focus on the unifying core of Christian faith.

Religious Moderation Amidst Extremes

Elizabeth’s religious stance stood in stark contrast to that of her half-sister, Mary I, whose reign was characterized by intense Catholic fanaticism and the persecution of Protestants. Unlike Mary, Elizabeth rejected religious extremism of any kind. She despised blind fanaticism and distrusted those who insisted on rigid orthodoxy, whether Catholic or Protestant.

She was also a practical monarch, attentive to maintaining ecclesiastical offices to preserve the kingdom’s revenues and social order. Elizabeth would not allow bishoprics to remain vacant merely out of principle or theological disputes. For her, theological wrangling was less important than governance and stability.

In a 1590 speech to Parliament, Elizabeth criticized those who pried too deeply into divine mysteries, likening their approach to that of a shrewd lawyer examining evidence. She asserted that if she did not walk the path God intended, He would prevent her from continuing to rule. This reflects both her deep personal faith and her belief in divine providence guiding her reign.

The Enigmatic Eucharist and Political Realities

Elizabeth’s views on the Eucharist reveal the complexity of her beliefs. Privately, she confessed to the Duke of Feria that her faith was not so different from Catholicism in this regard—she believed in the real presence of Christ in the sacrament but objected to certain aspects of the Mass’s ritual. This admission was politically expedient at the time, as England sought to avoid antagonizing Catholic powers like Spain.

Nevertheless, Elizabeth was adept at denouncing what she saw as the corruptions of the old faith. In 1577, she referred to the Catholic Church as “dark and filthy” in a letter to German Protestants, highlighting her alignment with Protestant criticism of Rome while maintaining a measured tone.

Her staunch opposition to religious persecution also caused friction. When she learned of King Philip II of Spain’s brutal suppression of Protestants in the Spanish Netherlands, she penned a sharply worded letter demanding to know why he meddled in matters that concerned the conscience of his subjects. This bold letter alarmed Spanish diplomats, some of whom mistakenly believed Elizabeth secretly hoped for the Catholic Church’s salvation.

Religious Tolerance and Intellectual Curiosity

Elizabeth’s interest in theological debate extended to her refusal to investigate alleged atheists such as Sir Walter Raleigh. Her openness to diverse religious views and skepticism of doctrinal rigidity led to accusations that she lacked genuine faith. Spanish ambassador de Quadra noted her discomfort with both Catholics and Protestants, speculating she might even be an atheist.

Yet Elizabeth’s lifelong engagement with scripture and theology belie such charges. She reportedly said near the end of her life that she had always kept the Last Judgment in mind, conscious that she would ultimately answer to a higher authority.

A poetic tribute recorded by historian Richard Baker in 1643 captures her nuanced belief in Christ’s truth as expressed through the Eucharist:

“Christ’s truth, each word a precious gem,
He pairs the bread with every phrase,
Each line I hold and cherish deep,
These truths of faith I vow to keep.”

This verse encapsulates Elizabeth’s blend of intellectual reverence and personal conviction.

Divine Providence and National Destiny

Elizabeth firmly believed in divine providence as the guiding force behind her reign and England’s fate. During the 1580s, as Spain’s power threatened English sovereignty, she confided to the French ambassador Michel de Castelnau that God’s will had yet to be revealed regarding England’s destiny. She expressed confidence that divine power had not yet granted anyone the authority to end England’s mission.

This belief in a higher purpose reinforced Elizabeth’s resolve during crises such as the Spanish Armada in 1588, when she famously rallied her people and invoked divine support for the nation’s survival.

A Fear of Preaching and Religious Ceremonies

Despite her theological passion, Elizabeth was known to dread the lengthy sermons typical of Protestant daily worship services. The long homilies often gave her headaches, and she had little patience for preachers who tried to lecture her from the pulpit. She would sometimes shout from her private chamber, demanding that clergy stick to their prepared texts and avoid topics likely to offend or bore her.

An illustrative incident occurred in 1565 when Dr. Norwell, the preacher at St. Paul’s Cathedral, denounced a Catholic pamphlet addressed to the queen and spoke vehemently against the veneration of religious images. Elizabeth herself was known to insist on retaining certain traditional religious symbols, such as the crucifix, showing her preference for a measured middle way between Protestant austerity and Catholic ritual.

Legacy of a Religiously Complex Monarch

Queen Elizabeth I’s religious identity resists simple categorization. She was neither a fervent Protestant reformer nor a secret Catholic sympathizer. Instead, she crafted a unique religious position that emphasized unity, tolerance, and intellectual engagement with theology.

Her ability to navigate the religious turmoil of 16th-century England—marked by violent sectarianism, persecution, and political intrigue—was essential to her successful reign. By balancing personal belief with political necessity, Elizabeth established the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which laid the foundation for the Church of England’s future and helped stabilize the nation.

Elizabeth’s life and faith continue to fascinate historians and readers alike, serving as a reminder that religious belief can be complex, deeply personal, and inseparable from the exercise of power. Her theological curiosity, pragmatic tolerance, and spiritual depth remain a defining aspect of her legacy as one of England’s greatest monarchs.