Joe Murphy-Baum
Theology III
10/10/08
Model of Faith
Saint Thomas More

Image found at http://www.saint-thomas-more.org/StThomasMore.jpg
St. Thomas More was born in London on February 7th, 1477. His parents were Sir John More and Agnes More. Thomas' childhood started off much differently than most children and how he started it would influence him for the rest of his life. He was first sent to St. Anthony's school and at age thirteen was put into the home of "Cardinal Morton, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor". This was the first sign that Thomas would become a person of faith/Faith. Intellect was shown as well in Thomas because the archbishop sent him to Oxford.
During his time at Oxford, Thomas made friends with William Grocyn and Thomas Linacre. At Oxford Thomas studied law, but later soon came to the thought of joining "Carthusians or the Observant Franciscans". He would participate in spiritual exercises regularly with monks. This was around the first instance where Thomas became thinking about the religious life seriously. After experiencing the orders given by Cathusians and Franciscans, Thomas soon realized that they were both strict and unreasonable. This tested Thomas' faith with out a doubt and influenced him to leave the religious life.
He married Jane Colt and they had four children together. He took his experience of knowledge and entered parliament. Thomas became a "Lord Chancellor in 1529". His job as Chancellor was to enforce laws and by doing this he "provoked the attacks of Protestant writers". This job as Chancellor really tested the faith of Thomas because by having to enforce certain laws, he also had to take into account the views of the church. Later, "However, he resigned in 1532". This was unnatural it seemed because Thomas was at the peak of his "career". This shows that Thomas was an open minded person who seeked for new ideas and knowledge. After leaving parliament in London, he began for "the rest of his life writing mostly in defense of the Church". This piece of writing really reflects the intellectuality of Thomas and how he was so spiritually unique.
Thomas More was then taken to prison for "attainted of misprision of treason". Thomas said to the court" we may yet hereafter in heaven merrily all meet together to everlasting salvation". The period of time in prison was a real test for Thomas to stay in a healthy relationship with God. He suffered for a disease from the chest, but still dedicated time to prayer. Then on July 6, 1535 Thomas More was beheaded. "His feast day is June 22nd".
Sources: Rob Hubbard, Thomas More Writings. Date Accessed: 10/5/08
Kevin, Knight. Thomas More. Date Accessed:10/7/08
Catholic Online. Saints and angels, St. Thomas More. Date Accessed:10/8/08
Anniina, Jokinen. The Life of Sir Thomas More. Date Accessed: 10/6/08