The Holy Spirit In The Theology Of Martin Bucer

This accessible book introduces the life and work of Martin Bucer (1491–1551), the significant sixteenth-century Protestant Reformer. Bucer shared theological insights with other Protestant Reformers but also provided his own unique contributions. Donald McKim and Jim West help us to understand Bucer’s thought in the historical, political, and ecclesial context of his times. They also explore its ongoing importance for the contemporary church.

Martin Bucer has usually been portrayed as a diplomat who attempted to reconcile divergent theological views, sometimes at any cost, or as a pragmatic pastor who was more concerned with ethics than theology. These representations have led to the view that Bucer was a theological light-weight, rightly placed in the shadow of Luther and Calvin. This book makes a different argument.Bucer was an ecclesial diplomat and a pragmatic pastor, yet his ecclesial and practical approaches to reforming the Church were guided by coherent theological convictions. Central to his theology was his understanding of the doctrine of justification, an understanding that Brian Lugioyo argues has an integrity of its own, though it has been imprecisely represented as intentionally conciliatory. It was this solid doctrine that guided Bucer's irenicism and acted as a foundation for his entrance into discussions with Catholics between 1539 and 1541. Lugioyo demonstrates that Bucer was consistent in his approach and did not sacrifice his theological convictions for ecclesial expediency. Indeed his understanding was an accepted evangelical perspective on justification, one to be commended along with those of Luther and Calvin.

A critical assessment of one of the most important Reformers by an international team of specialists.

Martin Greschat's seminal work is the first biography of the important Protestant reformer to be written in over seventy years. Now translated into English, this work--"the most comprehensive account of Bucer's place within the context of the history of the Reformation" (The Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation)--transcends normal biographies by providing information in relation to the social and political context of the sixteenth century. Lucid in style and mature in scholarship, Greschat'sMartin Buceris a splendid contribution to Reformation studies.

This work comprises a detailed study of Bucer's thinking on ecclesiastical office. The Strasbourg reformer exercised a great influence on Calvin, among others. This exploration does not only contribute to the knowledge of the body of thoughts and views of this often ignored reformer, whose importance is increasingly being recognised. It also contains a large amount of material which is extremely valuable for current discussion - theological and practical - on office and structure within the Church. The author has based his research on various rare editions found in libraries all over Europe. He also used many unpublished sources from the abundant archives in Strasbourg.

"David Lawrence has a Ph.D. in European History from the University of Kansas and has taught History of Greece, History of Rome, Medieval Europe, Renaissance and Reformation, as well as several other courses for over twenty years at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee. His doctoral dissertation was on Erasmus, and he has published articles on him and the Protestant Reformation. David is eminently qualified to analyze and interpret the period, including the role of Martin Bucer, and I often say that he has forgotten more than I have ever learned." Jerry L. Gaw, Ph.D. Professor of History, Lipscomb University "Martin Bucer is the premier unsung hero of the Protestant Reformation. A modern, accessible, biography of Bucer is long overdue. I am delighted that historian Dr. David Lawrence has undertaken this work. I know of no one better suited for the task. Like his subject, he is passionate about theology and worship, and thorough in his scholarship. His book is a must read for anyone interested in understanding and advancing the cause of Christ." Rev. Charles Bradley Pastor, Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Columbia, Tennessee "Martin Bucer's significant role in the Reformation Movement has often been overlooked and neglected by historians. The lack of historical studies about this sixteenth century German reformer has left a major void in Reformation scholarship. David Lawrence has rendered a valuable service by providing his account of Bucer's life. Professor Lawrence is a dedicated historian, a longtime student of the German Reformation, and a skillful writer who is eminently qualified to pursue this study. His research in both Europe and the United States will add to the respect that his book is sure to garner." Timothy Johnson, Ph. D. Professor of History, Lipscomb University