The Reformation

The Course Description

A seminar on the major events in the history and thought of Christianity leading up to and during the Reformation era. The seminar will include such topics as the precursors to the Reformation, the prominent figures in the Reformation, the theological issues of the Reformation, and the outcomes of the Reformation.

This seminar was led by Dr. Matthew Barrett and Dr. Geoff Chang

The Course Objectives

1. Clearly articulate an advanced understanding of various aspects of the history and theology of the Christian Church in the Reformation period.
2. Demonstrate competence in historical and theological research skills. 
3. Clearly define and evaluate various methods of biblical interpretation used in the history and thought of the Christian church in the Reformation period.
4. Demonstrate competence in applying the lessons of the Reformation period of Christian history to modern issues in Christian ministry and contemporary culture.

The Course Reading

1. G. R. Evans, ed. The Medieval Theologians: An Introduction to Theology in the Medieval Period. Oxford: Blackwell, 2001. 978-0631212034, 408 pp. 
2. Ozment, Steven. The Age of Reform, 1250-1550. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1980. 0300027605. pp. 438.
3. Select scholastics
   1. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologiae. Volume 54 (3a. 46-52). The Passion of Christ. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 978-0521029629. pp. 100.
   1. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologiae. Volume 30 (Ia2ae. 106-114). The Gospel of Grace. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. 978-0521029384. pp. 175.
4. Oberman, Heiko. Forerunners of the Reformation: The Shape of Late Medieval Thought Illustrated by Key Documents. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1981. 0800616170. pp. 315.
5. Luther, Martin. Luther’s Works. Volume 31: Career of the Reformer I. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1957.0800603311. pp. 50.
6. The Annotated Luther. 6 Volumes. Eds. Hans Hillerbrand, Kirsi Stjerna, Timothy Wengert. Minneapolis: Fortress Press.  Vol. 1. Vol. 2. Vol. 3. Vol. 4. Vol. 5. Vol. 6.
7. Oberman, Heiko A. Luther: Man between God and the Devil. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1989. 978-0300103137. pp. 400.
8. Steinmetz, David. Luther in Context. 2nd Ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2002. 978-0801026096. pp. 120.
9. David J. Luy. Dominus Mortis: Martin Luther on the Incorruptibility of God in Christ. Fortress Press, 2014. 978-1451482706. pp. 240. 

Short Excerpts/Essays (can be found on Canvas/online):

1. Peter Lombard. The Sentences. Vol. 4. PIMS. *excerpts on Sacraments
2. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologiae. Volume 5 (Ia. 19-26). God’s Will and Providence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. *section on Predestination only
3. Jaroslav Pelikan. Obedient Rebels: Catholic Substance and Protestant Principle in Luther’s Reformation. *Chapters 1 and 2 only.
4. John Farthing. Thomas Aquinas and Gabriel Biel. Duke University Press. *Excerpt only. 
5. D.V.N. Bagchi. “Sic Et Non: Luther and Scholasticism.” In Protestant Scholasticism: Essays in Reassessment, ed. Carl R. Trueman and R. S. Clark. Paternoster Press. 
6. Barrett, “Can This Bird Fly? Repositioning the Genesis of the Reformation on Martin Luther’s Early Polemic against Gabriel Biel’s Covenantal, Voluntarist Doctrine of Justification.”
7. Martin Luther, “The Argument of St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians,” in LW 26: 3-12.

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