Problems of Authority in the Reformation Debates [Paperback]

Dr Evans pieces together underlying connections in the theology of the Reformation period, as a contribution to ecumenical dialogue.During the Reformation period many of the fiercest debates centred on the nature of authority, covering every aspect of Christian faith and life. Here, Dr Evans aims to piece together underlying connections in the theology of the Reformation period, as a contribution to ecumenical dialogue.During the Reformation period many of the fiercest debates centred on the nature of authority, covering every aspect of Christian faith and life. Here, Dr Evans aims to piece together underlying connections in the theology of the Reformation period, as a contribution to ecumenical dialogue.During the Reformation period many of the fiercest debates centered on the nature of authority. These covered every aspect of Christian faith and life. The authority of scripture; the authority on which disputed points of faith and order could be decided; the authorizing of ministry in the Church; the efficacy of the sacraments, were all contested. Such issues are shown by the author of this study to remain ecumenically significant, both because it proved impossible at the time to resolve them to everyone's satisfaction, and because they continued to represent the focus of mutual hostility among the separated churches.Preface; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; Principal collections of articles and theses mentioned in the text; Introduction; Part I. Authority For the Truth of the Faith: 1. The authority of the text; 2. Authoritative testimony; 3. Authoritative proof; Part II. Saving Authority: 4. Powerlessness before sin; 5. Justification; 6. The empowering of the will for good; Part III. Authority in the Church to Reconcile: 7. The saving power of the sacraments; 8. The penitential system and 'power to bind and loose'; 9. The Eucharist and authority to forgive; Part IV. Authority in the Visible Community: 10. Visible and invisible; 11. The two swords and the l3µ