Christopher Goodman facts for kids

Christopher Goodman (born around 1520, died 1603) was an important English church leader and writer during a time of big changes in England. He was known as a Marian exile, which means he had to leave England to escape being treated badly for his religious beliefs during the reign of Queen Mary I of England. He helped write the famous Geneva Bible and was a close friend of John Knox, another key religious reformer.

Early Life and Studies

Christopher Goodman was probably born in Chester around 1520. When he was about 18, he went to Brasenose College, Oxford, a famous university. He earned his first degree in 1541 and a master's degree in 1544. Later, he became a senior student at Christ Church, Oxford. While at Oxford, Goodman became friends with Bartlet Green.

Escaping Persecution: The Marian Exile

In 1554, Goodman left England. This was because Queen Mary I, who was Catholic, was ruling, and Protestants like Goodman faced serious danger. Many Protestants, including Goodman, fled to other parts of Europe to find safety. These people were called "Marian exiles."

Goodman first went to Strasburg, then joined other reformers in Geneva, Switzerland. In Geneva, he became a pastor alongside John Knox. They became lifelong friends. During his time away from England, Goodman helped with the translation of the Bible known as the Geneva Bible. He also worked with Knox on a book about church services.

Goodman wrote a famous book called How superior Powers ought to be obeyed of their subjects, and wherein they may lawfully be by God's word disobeyed and resisted. This book talked about when people might be allowed to disagree with or even resist their rulers, especially if they felt the rulers were going against God's word. This idea was quite strong for the time and later made Queen Elizabeth I of England unhappy with him.

Working in Scotland

In 1559, John Knox asked Goodman to join him in Edinburgh, Scotland. Goodman arrived in Scotland in September, helping Knox's wife and family travel from Geneva. He quickly became an important figure in the Scottish Reformation, which was a movement to change the church in Scotland.

Goodman preached daily and became a minister in Ayr. He also traveled around Scotland, sharing his religious ideas. In 1560, he was appointed to St. Andrews, another important place in Scotland.

Returning to England

After several years, people started trying to get Goodman to return to England. Even though some people thought he was a bit stubborn, important figures like Sir Henry Sidney helped him.

Goodman finally returned to England in 1565. He served as a chaplain in Ireland for a while. Later, he was appointed to a church position in Alford, near Chester and became an archdeacon.

However, Goodman still held strong beliefs about how the church should be run, which didn't always match the official rules in England. Because of this, he faced some difficulties. He was asked to change his published opinions and promise to obey the queen. He complained about being treated harshly.

In 1584, Goodman refused to agree to some new church rules. Since he didn't have a church position at that time, he wasn't punished further. He spent the rest of his days peacefully in Chester. He died in 1603 and was buried in St. Bride's Church in Chester.