The Lamentation of a Sinner: Queen Katherine Parr

by Katherine Parr, Don Matzat (Introduction)

If an average person, when confronted with the law, wrath and judgment of God confesses his sins and receives in faith his forgiveness and justification, while this is miraculous, it is not monumental. For such an application of the Law and Gospel is the norm whereby an unbeliever becomes a Christian. But if such a deep and profound acknowledgment of sin, ignominy and misery together with a serene confession of faith in the Lord Jesus as the only solution to a troubled conscience, is set forth in writing, for all the world to see, by a person of high and noble standing, such as the Queen of England, this is noteworthy. For this reason, I suggest that The Lamentation of a Sinner, authored by Queen Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII of England, is one of the more significant, and yet largely unknown, documents to emerge out of the sixteenth century Reformation. "The Lamentation of a Sinner" is also included in "Katherine The Life and Faith of a Tudor Queen," by Don Matzat. In addition to a biography presenting the life and faith of Queen Katherine within the context of the Lutheran Reformation, a final section "Being Taught by a Queen" discusses and applies her teaching in "The Lamentation." Queen Katherine presents the basic truths of the Christian faith applicable to the life of every believer in every age.

Genres: History, Christian, Faith, Theology

91 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1547

Reviews

[RuthyMB · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s no way you can mark this any less than 5 stars, it’s a historical and sensationally important document, written by Queen Katherine Parr the final wife of Henry 8th. It took me a while to read this even tho it’s only short as it was more of a dip in and out thing for me. You can just imagine the Queen sitting there in the 1500’s writing this, this was such a bold move for a woman of this era to write a book let alone a biblical testimony and then to have it be so acclaimed and praised, and more importantly supported by her husband, the King. Of course, a lot of her writings seems archaic by today’s standards especially views on how women should be behave and dress but it’s utterly charming!

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was a strange experience: I imagined the Queen sitting there, writing down her innermost thoughts about her faith - 500 years ago. Then there was me, reading those words and I felt strangely connected to this woman who lived such a long time agho. The power of words is quite impossible to describe, I now realised.

[Jen English · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first woman to publish a book under her own name in the English language. And she survived King Henry VIII. Go queen, go.

[Edwin David · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure what to make of this book. Let me throw out some adjectives that describe my reaction; important, encouraging, biblical, and hard-work. Lamentations of a Sinner is basically a testimony written by Katherine Parr the sixth wife of Henry The Eighth. It is published by the New Whitchurch Press a small publishing house who are dedicated to promoting works from the English Reformation.

Lamentations of a Sinner is a normal format paperback book of just under 50 pages, so it isn’t very long. However, although I have read my fair share of Shakespeare and Puritan writers, I did find this book a struggle at times. It took me far longer to read than I would expect for a book of this length. Partly, this is the style in which the book is written, but also it is a reflection of the theological depth and density of the material. While I called this a testimony it is a long way removed from what often passes for conversion stories these days.

The book is beautifully produced, with red marginal annotations which both serve as sub-headings and point to relevant Scripture passages. To my old eyes, the grey paper on which the book is printed looked very attractive, but it was difficult to actually read the text in anything other than bright light. It will set you back £5 on the publisher’s website. However, if this modest sum should prove too much, you can find the whole text on the publisher’s website.

Broadly speaking, the book falls into three sections, though it is not strictly linear and the different sections interweave a good deal. It starts off with a lengthy meditation on Queen Katherine’s sinful, pre-conversion state. I’ve mentioned the theological depth of this book and while a lengthy meditation on sin may seem morbid to contemporary readers, the depth of understanding that she shows of the human situation is well worth reading.

The second broad section comprises a meditation on the cross and on Jesus power to rescue us from death and hell. Again, this is well thought through, well reasoned and wide ranging.

The last section, engages with the reality of life for the believer. As might be expected for a book written early in the Reformation, it spends a good deal of time engaging with those that the author considers to be false teachers.

So who should read this book? I don’t think that this is a book for the average Christian reader. You will need a degree of familiarity with Tudor English to get the best of it. That being said, it is an important book historically. Katherine Parr was the first woman to publish a book under her own name in the English language. However, anyone with more than a passing interest in the history of the English Reformation or of the Church in/of England would do well to hurry over to the publishers and get hold of a copy.

I will admit, that I struggled to get the best out of this book, it was hard going. However, at life group, last week we were asked to name something that had encouraged us in the past seven days, and I didn’t hesitate to name this book. It is well worth a read.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katherine Parr (Henry VIII's sixth wife) was the first woman to publish in her own name in English. And she was also (in her own words) a "wretch and caitiff" who owed everything to the mercy of God. The New Whitchurch team have recently republished her Lamentations, first published after Henry's death in 1547. Ostensibly, it's a conversion narrative, but there's little personal information. Instead, Parr offers a deep theological reflection on human sin and divine goodness.

Parr begins with a blunt assessment of her sin. It's striking to hear a Queen speaking in this way. Her former life was "evil and wretched", she had an "obstinate, stony and untractable heart", and was "ingrate, negligent, unkind" towards God. And that's just the first paragraph! For modern readers, it may all seem a bit morbid and depressing. But to Parr, it was a wonderful opportunity to remember the "beneficence, mercy and goodness of God." What patience God had shown her! What love in sending his Son! What kindness in opening her eyes!

She moves on to a meditation on the death of Christ, commending "the spiritual book of the crucifix" as an unending source of fruitful contemplation. As she sees Christ crucified, she sees more of her "miseries and wretchedness", and so more of God's deep love for her. The dominant theme of Christ's accomplishments in this section is the language of victory - over sin, Satan and death. As we continue in our struggle against sin, we draw on this victory, experience it daily, and so glorify God.

The last section reflects on the life of the believer. She's critical of those she deems false teachers, but laments division among those who truly know Christ. If we're aware of the depths of our own sin, we should be more patient towards our spiritual brothers and sisters.

The book is short (47 pages), but it's not a quick read. Some of it is hard work, especially if you're not used to this era of English. But it's worth persevering for her moving descriptions of human sin and divine mercy, and the implications of this for our lives.

I should add that the presentation of this New Whitchurch edition is very good. The interior has an attractive design and it comes with a bonus folded paper insert with some historical background. They sent me a teabag as well, which is a nice bonus.

[KateP · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly remarkable read! In ‘The Lamentation of a Sinner’ Katherine Parr, none other than the ‘survivor’ wife of Henry VIII takes us through the journey of her conversion and theological enlightenment. A mere 83 pages to read but packed to the brim of rich language and rich theology. Part one describes her own lamentation at how great a sinner she came to see she was. Part two focused on the goodness of God witnessed to us in the saving Christ crucified. And part three conveys her lamentations about the religious hypocrisy she saw in the world around her.

I was both stunned and deeply encouraged reading this. At the same time, I was so amazed at her own amazement of the nourishment and truth to be found in the Bible. It was written at a time when the earliest translations of the Bible in English were first circulating and Parr wrote at her own personal risk. The introduction by Don Matzat helps put the history into context. just to highlight, Parr’s lamentations was something she worked on whilst Henry was King and alive, but was only able to be published after his death and under the reign of Edward. A remarkable read for history, for theology and for a Queen whose journey of humility lead her to personal life-saving faith. ❤️

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This packs a punch when you recall how radical it was for a woman - and a queen at that - to write like this in 1547.

Katherine Parr basically preempts the Puritan confessional with her transparent and self-abasing style. She was impressively well-versed in Scripture, and ranges across the New Testament so deftly it would have been difficult (surely?) for the religious elite to dismiss her work.

Some bits felt a little rehearsed - polemic, even? - but I couldn’t help but read this as the prayer life of one Christian sister to another.

[G. Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text has been adapted and simplified, which I can understand for a modern audience, perhaps, but I found annoying. I was interested in the original wording... Katherine Parr's own work.

[Bob Bixby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it’s a must read for anyone interested in religious history, particularly to those who share Parr’s belief in God and the mediatory work of Jesus as I do. When one considers that she was breaking ground as the first female author to be published under her own name and that she was delicately walking a dangerous tightrope trying to honor her all-powerful husband’s so—called “middle way” one is almost more impressed by what one imagines to be in between the lines than what is actually there!

If you have read devotional literature of the day, there are some things that seem cliche. But there are some remarkably fresh ways of seeing things that make me think that this treatise had to have been sensational in the day. She seems to overstate so-called protestant “worm” theology, but at the same time there is a daring statement of grace in her call for authentic heart religion in individuals and public condemnation of power-hungry clergy.

I read this after reading two books by Allison Weir and I could not help but think that this woman really did not write everything she might have thought or wished she could say if she had not been constrained by a suffocating environment. But I cannot possibly doubt that she was saintly and that her thoughts about Christ are real and I personally feel the same as she did. Like me, I think she trusted God and not people at all even though her accolades of Henry VIII are gross, in my view, and possibly necessary so that her peace-seeking book could see the light of day. Like the wisest of God’s children she understood her times.

[SYD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I longed to read this book for many months, and have not been disappointed. It is a strange thing, of course, reading the words of Queen Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII. Her humble reflections and input about faith were a pleasure to read. Envisioning her writing this book, in a time when the words on the page could be her death warrant, was a joy. What a woman she was! The greatest part of The Lamentation of a Sinner was the occasional language she used. She was cheeky! Calling the roman pontiff 'riff-raff' is wild, and I laughed the moment I saw it! It seemed as though the humor of a confessing woman I could know, though five hundred years separates us. This book is a reminder of how powerful literature is, and how similar to those in the past we really are. Even if its not a read you'd casually choose, I would recommend that any history minded person give it a chance.

[Katie Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction by Pastor Don Matzat captures the historical context behind Queen Katherine Parr's life efficiently and effectively, while presenting Matzat's personal experience reading and researching this text.

The treatise itself is a brilliantly composed statement of faith from the perspective of a broken and repentant sinner. Her vivid analogies tie her arguments together
beautifully and her reliance on the language of Scripture is well-supported by her respect to the biblical context of each topic.

What a great woman. May she be remembered for more than just her place in the rhyme. She not only was the queen who "survived" Henry VIII, she was a powerful voice for women and Protestants in a time of persecution. She was the first woman to be published in England under her own name. She was an inspiration, and may she be remembered as such.

[Lou Florio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work will likely resonate with those familiar with Lutheran theology, pietism, or 12 Step programs, although it is not connected to these things outright. King Henry’s last wife seems to have had a sincere Protestant faith (and by that, I mean one likely influenced by Lutheranism). She does make a bit much of Henry VIII’s leadership (Moses he was not), but considering the dangers she faced, I suspect she marked her words carefully. For the most part, her confession of unworthiness and sin is rounded out by her standing on the grace of her faith and baptism. It’s an illuminating little book.

[Brendon Johns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredible work! The ONLY reason it isn’t 5 stars because at the very last page she sounded so much like these folks that teach the terrible doctrine of final justification by works. Based on the entirety of the book, I’m thinking she didn’t actually believe that, but was rather trying to convey that true believers would show their faith by their works as the book of James attest to. But she wasn’t so clear in the end and I think that can breed confusion for the faint hearted Christian struggling with persistent sin.

Still… I highly recommend with that single caveat!

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katherine Parr's religious thoughts and self-reflections (pertaining to her past state as a sinner). This was published 1547 and Katherine was married to King Henry VIII from 1543 to 1547. Therefore, this was written while she was under King Henry VIII and his church, where he was "Supreme Head of the Church of England."

It is very anti-Catholic and pro King Henry VIII, who is possibly the most hated male monarch in English history.

Three stars because of it's historical significance.

[Carl Sagstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most was how simple yet relevant this was, a theological masterpiece with sound Biblical truth which is just as relevant today as the 1500s when written.
Apart from some unnecessary potshots at the Pope of the time (who is not well know to today’s readers), it’s easy to read and understand.

[Danielle Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Queen Katherine wrote a true gem for the faith in this work. I found it astounding that she expounded on the faith with such a knowledge and grasp of the Scriptures. Knowing the back story to Queen Katherine and the history of this book made it even more special to read.

This translation made it seamless and easy to read. I appreciate Mr. Matzat making this book accessible for all.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this. I'm told it's the first book published by by a woman under her own name in English literature....makes it worth reading for that distinction.

[Rachel Constable · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not hugely interested in religion but the fact that in 2023 I can read something that was published in 1547 by ACTUAL KATHERINE PARR is worth five stars alone.

[Mark Einselen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinatingly personal and theological work from a former queen of England.

[Cassandra Chung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

— Romans 7: 24-25 (NIV)

This Romans 7 verse is familiar to many, commonly known as the verse that summarises our incredibly sinful and helpless state yet, also highlights the mercy, compassion and saving power of Christ. As somebody who has been a Christian for just over half my life, there were times where this truth grew "stale" (if I may say so). Yes, I knew (on an intellectual level) that I was sinful and yes, I knew that I was saved by God's grace and His grace alone. But often times, the "seasoned"(?) Christian feels no emotion when this truth is contemplated amidst the day-to-day mundanity of his / her life. I, of course, was no exception to this phenomenon.

When I purchased this book, it was simply out of a desire to delve more into female Christian authors. This book, in particular, caught my attention because there are not many female Christian authors from the 1500s. While this book does not offer any "new" insights, it did ground me once again to truth my heart had at times in my own relationship with God, had forgotten: that God's grace and mercy in Christ is a living and active truth, particularly, when I really think deeply about my own sins committed in my day-to-day life. Most Christian literature outside the Bible is instructive, teaching us (in one way or another) rather mechanically about doctrines and its applicability in our lives. There is nothing inherently wrong in that, but reading a book of personal emotions stemming from the contemplation of one's sinful nature and God's amazing grace often hits different.

Perhaps books such as Parr's lamentations don't serve to instruct but instead, to remind us through emotions that God's grace is still at work even when we don't realise it and by extension, should evoke emotion in us.

On this basis alone, I would say this book is worth picking up.

[PrettyFlamingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this as a quick read following on from reading Lamentation by C J Sansom. The historical importance of this book cannot be understated both for the content, the significance of her place in society and the risk she put herself at for even writing it. She also goes down in history as the first woman to be recognised as an English language author. I found it relevant even today.