T&T Clark Companion to Reformation Theology

by David M. Whitford

Publisher:

T&T Clark

, 2012

Overview

This volume is a major reference work on all aspects of theology in the reformation period. Editor David M. Whitford assembles an able group of scholars to present a detailed outline of the Reformed tradition. The contributors guide the reader through the historical background and theological development of this rich heritage. Major topics of theology within the Reformed tradition are discussed, including human nature and the fall, election and justification, the sacraments, eschatology and the Antichrist, and much more. The essays provide a helpful guide to the major aspects of the historic Reformed faith and offer new insights that will generate further dialogue and refinement of the tradition.

The Logos Bible Software edition of this volume streamlines and enhances your study. Scripture passages link directly to your English translations and original-language texts, and important theological concepts link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches by topic to find what other authors, scholars, and theologians have to say.

Key Features

• Provides an analysis of theological issues in the Reformation era
• Simplified explanation of technical concepts
• Syntheses of diverse theological perspectives from experts in the field

Contents

• “Studying and Writing about the Reformation,” by David M. Whitford
• “Human Nature, the Fall, and the Will,” by Robert Kolb
• “Revelation and Scripture,” by R. Ward Holder
• “Justifi cation,” by Carl R. Trueman
• “Law and Gospel,” by Lubomír Batka and Anna Marie Johnson
• “Election,” by Chad Van Dixhoorn
• “Sanctifi cation, Works, and Social Justice,” by Carter Lindberg
• “The Sacraments,” by Bryan Spinks
• “The Church and Ministry,” by Paul Avis
• “Preaching and Worship,” by Anne T. Thayer
• “Women, Marriage, and Family,” by Karen E. Spierling
• “Catechisms and Confessions of Faith,” by Karin Maag
• “Church Discipline and Order,” by Raymond A. Mentzer
• “Eschatology, Apocalypticism, and the Antichrist,” by Robin B. Barnes
• “Political Theology in the Reformation,” by Volker Leppin
• “Superstition, Magic, and Witchcraft during and after the Reformation,” by Peter Maxwell-Stuart
• “Radical Theology,” by Geoffrey Dipple
• “Images and Iconoclasm,” by Randall C. Zachman
• “Martyrdom,” by Haruko Nawata Ward

Top Highlights

“while ‘foreordination’ is used both generally, referring to the divine decrees” (Page 87)

“According to Aristotle, human beings find their identity, worth, and dignity in their own thinking and acting” (Page 14)

“For Luther, however, if one attempts to live according to this spiritual understanding of the Law, one realizes very quickly that there is a wide gap between what ought to be and what is in reality. In the human heart nothing is as it should be, and therefore the fulfillment of the Law is not possible in fallible humans. This radical view of human sinfulness is one of Luther’s primary theological points.” (Page 75)

“Secondly, it clearly moved notions of being in a state of God’s favor away from the intrinsic nature of the individual and to the extrinsic decision of God. This is the key conceptual continuity between late medieval theology and that of Martin Luther.” (Page 59)

“the central theological breaking point is often regarded as being that of justification by grace through faith.” (Page 57)

Praise for the Print Edition

David Whitford has succeeded in bringing those specialists together that have given in this book a full oversight of the theology of the Reformation in all of its variety. Latest results of research, a fine combination of theology and history, and an accessible style make this book into one of the leading handbooks on our way to 2017 and beyond.

—Herman Selderhuis, professor of church history and church polity, Theological University Apledoorn, Netherlands

Whitford opens this overture to Reformation theology with a wise essay on how neophytes might take their first steps in the discipline. In what follows, eighteen seasoned pros weigh in with substantial contributions on the classical loci, salient themes, and neuralgic issues. A fine starting point for graduate students and seminarians.

—Denis R. Janz, provost distinguished professor of the history of Christianity, Loyola University, New Orleans

Product Details

• Title: T&T Clark Companion to Reformation Theology
• Author: David M. Whitford
• Series: T&T Clark Companion
• Publisher: T&T Clark
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 520
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Reformation; Theology, doctrinal › History--16th century
• ISBNs: 9780567153661, 0567153665
• Resource ID: LLS:CMPNRFRTHLGY
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:26:08Z

About David M. Whitford

David M. Whitford is professor of religion in Reformation studies at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is the author of Tyranny and Resistance: The Lutheran Tradition and the Magdeburg Confession and Reformation and Early Modern Europe: A Guide to Research as well as numerous articles on Reformation Europe. He is the associate editor of The Sixteenth Century Journal.