There is one problem on my homework that I cannot really get.

"There is a well off businessperson in England in 1553. The Anglican Church has been the dominant religion since it's beginning during the reign of Henry VIII. Mary I has become the new monarch and she is changing the religion back to Roman Catholic and persecuting all protestants. What is the best thing that he or she should do?"

I think he could leave the country since he has some money and stay an Anglican but I'm not sure where he would go and he would have to move his family and his business or quit. He could convert but that would go against his beliefs. He could also just remain an Anglican and trust his religion to help him, even if he has to risk his temporal life if that makes sense.

Could someone give me his or her thoughts on this? I am having trouble choosing a best answer. I think it would really help me out! Thank you!

He can immigrate to America. That is what many did during religious persecutions during that time. The Catholics and the Protestants took turns persecuting ( killing) one another. A number of the American colonies were settled by refugees from this practice.

Since there were no English colonies in America in 1553, emigrating to Ireland would be a better choice. Check this article.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Empire

It's great that you're thinking critically about the situation and considering different options. Let's break down each possibility and their implications:

1. Leaving the country: This option would indeed allow the businessperson to continue practicing Anglicanism without fear of persecution. However, as you pointed out, they would need to consider the logistics of relocating their family and business, which can be challenging. If they choose this route, they could consider countries where religious tolerance was more prevalent during that time, such as the Dutch Republic.

2. Conversion: While converting to Roman Catholicism could potentially appease the new monarch, it might conflict with the businessperson's personal beliefs. This decision should be carefully considered, weighing religious convictions against the potential consequences of not converting.

3. Remaining an Anglican: This option relies on the businessperson's faith and trust in their religion to protect them during a difficult time. While it may involve risks, it allows them to stay true to their beliefs without uprooting their life. They could potentially seek out other Anglicans who may be sympathetic and form a support network.

Ultimately, the best course of action would depend on the businessperson's individual circumstances and priorities. It's helpful to consider the potential outcomes of each choice, both in terms of immediate safety and long-term implications.