Lay Theology In The Reformation

This book examines the coming of the Protestant Reformation from the viewpoint of eight common people, who were sufficiently disturbed by the events of 1521-5 to write treatises, letters, dialogues, and sermons, which they published. Their works are lively testimony to the interest of laypeople in the affairs of the church, and their willingness to discuss often complex theological training. These works are among the first documents of lay theology and piety, but they are also propaganda: disappointed with the Catholic clergy and with secular authorities, the authors of these pamphlets were called to prophesy, preach, and convert their readers/listeners lest Christ return soon to find his church unprepared. They demanded a new apostolate for laypeople, something the clergy had feared for centuries and something which civic authorities feared as a potential source of radical ideas.

Protestant reformers sought to effect a radical change in the way their contemporaries understood and coped with the suffering of body and soul that were so prominent in the early modern period. This book examines the genesis of Protestant doctrines of suffering among the leading reformers and then traces the transmission of these doctrines from the reformers to the common clergy. It also examines the reception of these ideas by lay people.

Protestant reformers sought to effect a radical change in the way their contemporaries understood and coped with the suffering of body and soul that were so prominent in the early modern period. The reformers did so because they believed that many traditional approaches to suffering were not sufficiently Christian--that is, they thought these approaches were unbiblical. The Reformation of Suffering examines the Protestant reformation of suffering and shows how it was a central part of the larger Protestant effort to reform church and society. Despite its importance, no other text has directly examined this reformation of suffering. This book investigates the history of Christian reflection on suffering and consolation in the Latin West and places the Protestant reformation campaign within this larger context, paying close attention to important continuities and discontinuities between Catholic and Protestant traditions. Focusing especially on Wittenberg Christianity, The Reformation of Suffering examines the genesis of Protestant doctrines of suffering among the leading reformers and then traces the transmission of these doctrines from the reformers to the common clergy. It also examines the reception of these ideas by lay people. The text underscores the importance of consolation in early modern Protestantism and seeks to challenge a scholarly trend that has emphasized the themes of discipline and control in Wittenberg Christianity. It shows how Protestant clergymen and burghers could be remarkably creative and resourceful as they sought to convey solace to one another in the midst of suffering and misfortune. The Protestant reformation of suffering had a profound impact on church and society in the early modern period and contributed significantly to the shape of the modern world.

The contributions reflect a broad range of interdisciplinary research interests in the field of lay piety and learned theology in the Middle Ages, Reformation, and Later Times as well as their representation through certain media such as book printing.

The laity (the body of ordinary lay-members of the Church) has seldom enjoyed the distinction of being treated with care and thoroughness as a matter of specific theological importance or significance. The subsidiary treatment by the professional theologians, argues Hendrick Kraemer, is an inexcusable lack and an indication of a partly mis-oriented understanding of the Church in its wholeness. Kraemer's A Theology of the Laity, first published in 1958 was one of the first comprehensive attempts at constructing a theology of the whole people of God. It remains a foundational and important work on the subject. Hendrik Kraemer (1888-1965), a layman, was a Dutch Reformed theologian, linguist, and missiologist is recognized as one of the most significant theologians of Christian mission. Kraemer studied Indonesian languages at Leiden University and was awarded a PhD. in 1922. He then served with the Netherlands Bible Society in Indonesia until 1937, when he as appointed professor of the history and phenomenology of religion at Leiden Unversity. From 1948-1955 Kraemer served as the first director of the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Institute at Chateau de Bossey, Celigny near Geneva. Following his return from Indonesia, Kraemer involved himself heavily in the Dutch church and in mission work, contributing significantly to the revival of the Cutch Reformed church after World War II. One of his last endeavours was to develop a theology of the laity.

Cultural and textual analysis of 300 German propaganda pamphlets reveals lay people responding to the Protestant Reformation. They urge changes based on the perceptions and aspirations of their social class, supporting their proposals by personal interpretations of the Bible.

Perhaps no period in Christian history experienced such social tumult and upheaval as the Reformation, as it quickly became apparent that social and political issues, finding deep resonance with the common people, were deeply entwined with religious ones raised by the Reformers. Led by eminent Reformation historian Peter Matheson, this volume of A People's History of Christianity explores such topics as child-bearing, a good death, rural and village piety, and more. Includes 50 illustrations, maps, and an 8-page color gallery.