Martin Bucer's Doctrine of Justification: Reformation Theology and Early Modern Irenicism (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology)

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 lightweight, 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."--Jacket Contents......Page 10 Abbreviations......Page 12 1. Introduction: Martin Bucer, a Consistent Theologian......Page 18 2. Martin Bucer’s Irenic Approach to Reform......Page 30 3. Martin Bucer’s Doctrine of Justification in His Romans Commentary (1536)......Page 52 4. Johannes Gropper’s Doctrine of Justification in the Enchiridion (1538)......Page 118 5. Martin Bucer’s Doctrine of Justification in Sixteenth-Century Dialogue (1539–1541)......Page 150 6. Conclusion......Page 220 Appendixes......Page 224 Bibliography......Page 250 B......Page 266 C......Page 267 F......Page 268 L......Page 269 R......Page 270 Z......Page 271 This book explains Martin Bucer's unique perspective on the doctrine of justification and demonstrates how this doctrine acted as a foundation for his entrance into discussions with Catholics between 1539 and 1541. The author argues that Bucer was consistent in his irenic endeavors, never sacrificing his theological convictions for ecclesial expediency. Introduction: Martin Bucer : a consistent theologian Bucer's irenic approach to reform Bucer's doctrine of justification in his Romans commentary Gropper's doctrine of justification in theeenchiridion Martin bucer's doctrine of justification in 16th c. dialog (1539-1541) Conclusion. This text explains Martin Bucer's unique perspective on the doctrine of justification and demonstrates how this doctrine acted as a foundation for his entrance into discussions with Catholics between 1539 and 1541