Scripture Tradition And Reason

Essays on scripture, tradition and reason; at the heart of every major issue confronting the life and thought of all the Christian Churches today. In honour of R. P. C. Hanson.

Essays on scripture, tradition and reason; at the heart of every major issue confronting the life and thought of all the Christian Churches today, in honour of R. P. C. Hanson

There is no doubt that Richard Hooker (1554-1600) is one of the most important writers in the history of the Church of England. However, since John Henry Newman presented him as a "theologian of the via media" he has been consistently overlooked by evangelical Anglicans. This well-documented and detailed analysis of the theological first principles of the 'father of Anglicanism' challenges the traditional consensus. The author examines three key elements of Hooker's theology-namely, the authority of reason, tradition and Scripture and evaluates Hooker's approach in the light of his debates with contemporary Puritans including Walter Travers, Thomas Cartwright and William Tyndale. His views are then compared with the approaches of Erasmus and the Reformers Luther and Calvin. Finally, the interpretations of leading and influential Hooker scholars are examined to show how often his theological principles have been misrepresented. This important study concludes that Hooker's debt to the Reformation is greater and more profound than generally acknowledged and that Hooker is consistently closer the mainstream of Reformation thought than his Puritan opponents. "This book is sure to put the cat among the pigeons of Hooker scholarship, and reopen the question of interpretations which many have assumed were resolved." -Gerald Bray, Beeson Divinity School "A lucid, penetrating and immensely relevant study of Hooker's theological method which firmly repudiates the influential High church stereotype of Hooker."- Alister McGrath, from the foreword An ordained priest with the Church of England, Nigel T. Atkinson is Warden of Latimer House, Oxford.

In some of the church's history, Scripture has been pitted against tradition and vice versa. Prominent New Testament scholar Edith Humphrey, who understands the issue from both Protestant and Catholic/Orthodox perspectives, revisits this perennial point of tension. She demonstrates that the Bible itself reveals the importance of tradition, exploring how the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles show Jesus and the apostles claiming the authority of tradition as God's Word, both written and spoken. Arguing that Scripture and tradition are not in opposition but are necessarily and inextricably intertwined, Humphrey defends tradition as God's gift to the church. She also works to dismantle rigid views of sola scriptura while holding a high view of Scripture's authority.

Is religious belief reasonable? Specifically, is the doctrine of the Catholic faith consistent with reason? Drawing on Catholic and Christian theological traditions, Martin Albl engages readers in theological thinking on various topics including the Trinity, Christology, ecclesiology, human nature, sin, salvation, revelation, and eschatology. Clear and focused, the text links traditional teaching with contemporary issues to show the relevance of faith to contemporary issues. A glossary, cross-referencing system, text and discussion questions, and footnotes with information about Internet resources provide more in-depth information. --Publisher description.

"While the patristic age is marked by the development of the Apostle's and the Nicene creeds, D. H. Williams contends we must not neglected the lesser known yet just as significant theological texts and expressions of worship that were seminal in shaping early Christian identity. In this sourcebook, Williams gathers key writings from the first through sixth centuries that illustrate the ways in which the church's confessions, teaching, and worship were expressed during that time. More than an anthology, this sourcebook introduces the primary sources of Christian antiquity."--BOOK JACKET.

The battle lines are drawn in what some believe will be the final showdown between liberals and conservatives in the Anglican Church. This book explains why the two views may well be irreconcilable.

A selective look at how Anglicans up to the 20th century have attempted to bear faithful witness to the Christian Gospel in relation to the different challenges of time and place.