Problems of Authority in the Reformation Debates

Dr Evans pieces together underlying connections in the theology of the Reformation period, as a contribution to ecumenical dialogue.

G. R. Evans (Author)

9780521892469, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 April 2002

348 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

"Evans' mastery and sophisticated handling of the sources, her expertise in the medieval context, and her effort to make sense of the sixteenth-century conflicts by a sympathetic 'intellectual fellowship' with the combatants, results in a finely-tuned historical study in which the ecumenical implications are suggested with delicacy and moderation....For Reformation scholars committed to ecumenical dialogue, Evans has produced a thesis that will stimulate reflection and discussion." Craig S. Farmer, Pro Ecclesia

Problems of Authority in the Reformation Debates shows that in the early sixteenth century much was seen to be wrong with both the doctrine and the practice of authority in the Western Church. A great deal of scholarly effort was devoted at the time to trying to understand the nature of the problem, but this, as the author points out, was largely a piecemeal endeavour. No one succeeded in providing a comprehensive account of the complex 'authority' questions which were being raised about absolute divine sovereignty, the centrality of Christ, the primacy of scripture, the necessity of grace, and so on. Dr Evans aims here to piece together underlying connections in the theology of the Reformation period, as a contribution to ecumenical dialogue. She shows how, as theologians struggle today about words and meanings, the detailed texture of semantic debate similarly underlies many of the Reformation controversies.

Preface
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Principal collections of articles and theses mentioned in the text
Introduction
Part I. Authority For the Truth of the Faith: 1. The authority of the text
2. Authoritative testimony
3. Authoritative proof
Part II. Saving Authority: 4. Powerlessness before sin
5. Justification
6. The empowering of the will for good
Part III. Authority in the Church to Reconcile: 7. The saving power of the sacraments
8. The penitential system and 'power to bind and loose'
9. The Eucharist and authority to forgive
Part IV. Authority in the Visible Community: 10. Visible and invisible
11. The two swords and the political analogy
12. Making ministers
13. Higher authority
Part V. The Authority of Common Sense: 14. A decision-making body
15. Decision-making in a divided Church
Conclusion: the unity we seek
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX]