Final answer:
Henry VIII was not originally a supporter of the Reformation; he was a devout Catholic opposed to Protestant ideas. His creation of the Church of England was primarily a political move to secure a male heir and assert authority over religious matters in his country, rather than a reflection of true religious conviction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Discussing whether Henry VIII was a true supporter of the Reformation or if he used it for personal ambitions requires examining his actions and motivations. Initially, as a devout Catholic who had been named 'Defender of the Faith' by the Pope for his opposition to Reformation ideas, it seems unlikely that Henry was a genuine proponent of Protestant theology. However, his situation changed dramatically when he desired to ensure a male heir to continue the Tudor dynasty but his wife, Catherine of Aragon, could not provide one. His subsequent request for an annulment was denied by the Pope, putting Henry's desires at odds with the church's authority.
The key turning point was Henry VIII's break with the Catholic Church, leading to significant political and religious changes in England. Advised by Thomas Cranmer and Thomas Cromwell, Henry pushed Parliament to enact the Act in Restraint of Appeals and the Act of Submission of the Clergy, thus establishing himself as the head of the newly formed Church of England. This suggests that his primary motivation was political, concerned with his succession and independence from papal authority, rather than a deep-seated theological conviction.
That said, while King Henry did dissolve the monasteries and appropriated their wealth which indicates a political and financial incentive, he made few doctrinal changes to the new Anglican Church. This could be interpreted as maintaining a level of religious continuity, perhaps to assuage conservative factions within the realm or because he still held onto some Catholic beliefs despite his break with Rome. Ultimately, Henry VIII's religious actions seem to be driven by personal reasons, mainly his desire to secure a male heir and strengthen his own power, rather than a devoted commitment to Protestantism.