This document provides background information on key figures in the pre-Reformation period such as John Wycliffe, John Huss, and Jerome Savonarola. It discusses Wycliffe's views which focused on studying scripture rather than scholastic speculation. It also describes how Huss was influenced by Wycliffe and their shared views challenging the authority of the Pope. The document then provides an overview of the major theological currents of scholasticism during the late medieval period, including realism and nominalism.

1. Pre-ReformationPre-Reformation
Lecture 2Lecture 2

2. Pre-Reformation BackgroundPre-Reformation Background
 John Wycliffe 1329-1384John Wycliffe 1329-1384
 Oxford professor, English philosopher, religiousOxford professor, English philosopher, religious
reformer, morning star of the reformationreformer, morning star of the reformation
 Service of English leaders fighting for control of theService of English leaders fighting for control of the
Church of EnglandChurch of England
 Focus on study of Scriptures rather than scholasticFocus on study of Scriptures rather than scholastic
speculation.speculation.
 Book:Book: Verity of Sacred ScriptureVerity of Sacred Scripture
 Bible only criterion of doctrineBible only criterion of doctrine
 Systematic study of power among humansSystematic study of power among humans
 1375 -1375 - On Divine LordshipOn Divine Lordship
 1376 -1376 - On Civil LordshipOn Civil Lordship

3. John Wycliffe 1329-1384John Wycliffe 1329-1384
Preached reform of monastic order.Preached reform of monastic order.
Set one class of Christians against anotherSet one class of Christians against another
(universal priesthood of all believers).(universal priesthood of all believers).
Attacked the luxury and venality of Popes.Attacked the luxury and venality of Popes.
Denied authority of Pope over allDenied authority of Pope over all
Christendom.Christendom.
Preached religion of personal purity andPreached religion of personal purity and
universal priesthood of all believers.universal priesthood of all believers.

4. John Wycliffe 1329-1384John Wycliffe 1329-1384
 Three major points of WycliffeThree major points of Wycliffe
1.1. Theory of Dominion of Grace.Theory of Dominion of Grace.
 opposed theory that dominant lordship; spiritualopposed theory that dominant lordship; spiritual
and temporal came from God throughand temporal came from God through
intermediaries - every man was God=s tenant inintermediaries - every man was God=s tenant in
chief - every man responsible before God.chief - every man responsible before God.
2.2. ScriptureScripture

5. John Wycliffe 1329-1384John Wycliffe 1329-1384
3.3. SacramentsSacraments
 No problem with - baptism, confirmation,No problem with - baptism, confirmation,
marriage or unction.marriage or unction.
 Problem with - penance and the massProblem with - penance and the mass
 No difference in good behavior of bishop andNo difference in good behavior of bishop and
priestpriest
 Canon law has no validity for Christian conductCanon law has no validity for Christian conduct
 Layman might preachLayman might preach
 Confession to priest unnecessaryConfession to priest unnecessary
 Doctrine of Transubstantiation not found in theDoctrine of Transubstantiation not found in the
BibleBible
 Philosophical argument for changes in the sacredPhilosophical argument for changes in the sacred
elements not found in the Bibleelements not found in the Bible

6. John Huss (1369-1415)John Huss (1369-1415)
 Chief patron - Emperor Wenzel - father in law ofChief patron - Emperor Wenzel - father in law of
English Richard IIEnglish Richard II
 Wycliffe - English gospels - gift to Queen AnneWycliffe - English gospels - gift to Queen Anne
of Bohemiaof Bohemia
 Students from Prague went to England andStudents from Prague went to England and
heard Wycliffe and his followers lecture; tookheard Wycliffe and his followers lecture; took
copies of his treatise back to Praguecopies of his treatise back to Prague
 Chief friend and disciple of Huss, Jerome ofChief friend and disciple of Huss, Jerome of
PraguePrague
 .Completed part of his training at Oxford and.Completed part of his training at Oxford and
returned with Wycliffe’s treatises.returned with Wycliffe’s treatises.

7. John Huss (1369-1415)John Huss (1369-1415)
Man devoted to the BibleMan devoted to the Bible
Strong on moral; more than intellectualStrong on moral; more than intellectual
side.side.
Borrowed from Wycliffe for his writings.Borrowed from Wycliffe for his writings.
De EcclesiaDe Ecclesia – (little more than a translation of– (little more than a translation of
Wycliffe).Wycliffe).

8. John Huss (1369-1415)John Huss (1369-1415)
 Like Wycliffe, he denounced:Like Wycliffe, he denounced:
 Claim of papacy and the overlordship of the churchClaim of papacy and the overlordship of the church
 Worldliness of the clergyWorldliness of the clergy
 Sin of simonySin of simony
 Declared that laity (knights) could reform the churchDeclared that laity (knights) could reform the church
 church could not try heresy caseschurch could not try heresy cases
 Reverenced AugustineReverenced Augustine
 Refused to accept any biblical rites, institutions,Refused to accept any biblical rites, institutions,
customscustoms
 Withdrawal of the cup from laity; non-biblicalWithdrawal of the cup from laity; non-biblical

9. John Huss (1369-1415)John Huss (1369-1415)
Not only a theologian but became involvedNot only a theologian but became involved
in politics.in politics.
1409 - king supported Hussites against1409 - king supported Hussites against
Germans.Germans.
Changing of the constitution making Slavs theChanging of the constitution making Slavs the
dominant.dominant.
 Hussite teachings and nationalism became closelyHussite teachings and nationalism became closely
connected.connected.

10. John Huss (1369-1415)John Huss (1369-1415)
 Jerome 1373 –Jerome 1373 –
 By 1402 was influenced by WycliffeBy 1402 was influenced by Wycliffe
 1402 - preacher at Bethlehem Chapel1402 - preacher at Bethlehem Chapel
 sermon in Bohemian languagesermon in Bohemian language
 became first rector of Huss Universitybecame first rector of Huss University
 1409 - Pope demands actions against partisons of1409 - Pope demands actions against partisons of
Wycliffe in BohemiaWycliffe in Bohemia
 Pope John 23rd promises indulgences to those who take part inPope John 23rd promises indulgences to those who take part in
crusades against King of Naples (Gregory XII).crusades against King of Naples (Gregory XII).
 Huss opposes (money can’t buy salvation).Huss opposes (money can’t buy salvation).
 1410 - Papal Bull1410 - Papal Bull
 Huss goes into exile; writesHuss goes into exile; writes De EcclesiaDe Ecclesia
 Condemned by Rome in 1413.Condemned by Rome in 1413.

11. John Huss (1369-1415)John Huss (1369-1415)
 Asked to appear before Council of ConstanceAsked to appear before Council of Constance
 Emperor gave him safe conduct; Huss goesEmperor gave him safe conduct; Huss goes
 Put under arrest when he arrivedPut under arrest when he arrived
 Council refuses submission of alternate Christian toCouncil refuses submission of alternate Christian to
its councilsits councils
 Huss refuses to recant; burnt 1415Huss refuses to recant; burnt 1415
 Problems of cup to laymen; Jerome leader ofProblems of cup to laymen; Jerome leader of
those who gave cup to laymen burnt 1416those who gave cup to laymen burnt 1416

12. Jerome SavonarolaJerome Savonarola
 Born Florence 1452, died 1498Born Florence 1452, died 1498
 Dominican Monk 1475Dominican Monk 1475
 1482- preacher of San Lorenzo church of medici1482- preacher of San Lorenzo church of medici
familyfamily
 Powerful preacher of judgmentPowerful preacher of judgment
 Believed he had the gift of prophecyBelieved he had the gift of prophecy
 Predicted death of Pope Innocent V111Predicted death of Pope Innocent V111
 Coming of foreign army and collapse of mediciComing of foreign army and collapse of medici
rule.rule.

13. SAVONAROLASAVONAROLA
Became involved in politicsBecame involved in politics
Wanted to reform corrupt Florence politicsWanted to reform corrupt Florence politics
Establish a Christian commonwealthEstablish a Christian commonwealth
Pope Alexander upset, attempted to bribePope Alexander upset, attempted to bribe
him with promotion to cardinal chairhim with promotion to cardinal chair
Demanded to appear in RomeDemanded to appear in Rome
Refused, excommunicated in 1497Refused, excommunicated in 1497
Executed in 1497Executed in 1497

14. Major Theological Current of the lateMajor Theological Current of the late
Medieval PeriodMedieval Period
Scholasticism defined - coined byScholasticism defined - coined by
humanist scholars.humanist scholars.
Pejorative and imprecise - hard to defend.Pejorative and imprecise - hard to defend.
Best regarded as the medieval system ofBest regarded as the medieval system of
organizing theology with emphasis onorganizing theology with emphasis on
rational justification of religious beliefsrational justification of religious beliefs
using logic and reason.using logic and reason.
Period 1200-1500Period 1200-1500

15. Basic themes dominating theBasic themes dominating the
theological debatetheological debate
The need to systematize and expandThe need to systematize and expand
Christian theologyChristian theology
Demonstrate the inherent rationality of thatDemonstrate the inherent rationality of that
theologytheology
Aristotle ideas from 1270Aristotle ideas from 1270
Thomas Aquinas - Proofs for the existence ofThomas Aquinas - Proofs for the existence of
GodGod
Demonstrating the inherent rationality of theologyDemonstrating the inherent rationality of theology
by appealing to philosophyby appealing to philosophy
Scholastic writings - long and argumentativeScholastic writings - long and argumentative

16. ScholasticismScholasticism
 Influential mainly in the medievalInfluential mainly in the medieval
universities.universities.
 Two types:Two types:
1.1. Realism (1200-1350)Realism (1200-1350)
2.2. Nominalism (1350-1500)Nominalism (1350-1500)

17. 1. Realism1. Realism
 Realism (Via Antigua) 1200-1350 -Realism (Via Antigua) 1200-1350 -
universal concept of whiteness which twouniversal concept of whiteness which two
stones embody.stones embody.
 Approach to the knowledge of GodApproach to the knowledge of God
 Speculation about the essence of God (notSpeculation about the essence of God (not
only his moral characteronly his moral character
 Two avenues to knowledge of God.Two avenues to knowledge of God.
a)a) RevelationRevelation
b)b) Reason – (even unaided by revelation to knowReason – (even unaided by revelation to know
about God; man on his own can know Godabout God; man on his own can know God

18. ReasonReason
 knowledge of God through reasonknowledge of God through reason
 dependence upon the universalsdependence upon the universals
 universals (love, beauty, justice, etc) dwell in the minduniversals (love, beauty, justice, etc) dwell in the mind
of God and present in human mindsof God and present in human minds
 universals – a bridge which allow man to discoveruniversals – a bridge which allow man to discover
mind of Godmind of God
 dependence upon Aristotle’s logic (dependence upon Aristotle’s logic (magistermagister
dixitdixit))
 dialectical approach to truthdialectical approach to truth
 use of the syllogismuse of the syllogism

19. ReasonReason
Approach to salvationApproach to salvation
man not totally depravedman not totally depraved
man remains a rational being; semi-man remains a rational being; semi-
PelagianismPelagianism
all powers of the soul distortedall powers of the soul distorted
wound of ignorance (reason)wound of ignorance (reason)
wound of malice (will)wound of malice (will)
wound of weakness (emotion)wound of weakness (emotion)
wound of concupiscence (body)wound of concupiscence (body)

20. ReasonReason
Divine infusion of grace through theDivine infusion of grace through the
sacramentssacraments
He moves the free will to accept the gift ofHe moves the free will to accept the gift of
gracegrace
)Justification, a movement from state of sin to)Justification, a movement from state of sin to
state of justicestate of justice
restoration of disposition to love and obeyrestoration of disposition to love and obey
God (God (habitushabitus))

21. 2. Nominalism2. Nominalism
Nominalism (via moderna) 1350-1500:Nominalism (via moderna) 1350-1500:
focus on particulars - just two whitefocus on particulars - just two white
stones; two major roots.stones; two major roots.
Voluntarism of Duns Scotus (1265-1305)Voluntarism of Duns Scotus (1265-1305)
FranciscanFranciscan
Professor at OxfordProfessor at Oxford

22. Duns Scotus (1265-1305)Duns Scotus (1265-1305)
God is pure freedom and pure will.God is pure freedom and pure will.
 I cannot predict what God can do.I cannot predict what God can do.
God is totally independent from any moralGod is totally independent from any moral
rule (the rule would be greater than God).rule (the rule would be greater than God).
Incapacity of reason to provide anyIncapacity of reason to provide any
knowledge about God sine God is notknowledge about God sine God is not
reason but will.reason but will.
I can know God only has he revealsI can know God only has he reveals
himself.himself.

23. Duns Scotus (1265-1305)Duns Scotus (1265-1305)
Essential difference with AristotleEssential difference with Aristotle
radical contingencyradical contingency
knowledge derived from ultimate principlesknowledge derived from ultimate principles
that are known naturally by the intellect.that are known naturally by the intellect.

24. William of Occam 1255-1349William of Occam 1255-1349
Terminism of William of Occam 1255-1349Terminism of William of Occam 1255-1349
most influential thinker in time of Luthermost influential thinker in time of Luther
TerminismTerminism
denial of reality of universalsdenial of reality of universals
human origin of universals: they are creationhuman origin of universals: they are creation
of the mindof the mind
universals cannot provide bridge into realm ofuniversals cannot provide bridge into realm of
God since they are mere human creationGod since they are mere human creation

25. NominalismNominalism
Main ideas of nominalismMain ideas of nominalism
God known as far as he wants to revealGod known as far as he wants to reveal
himselfhimself
incomprehensible in hisincomprehensible in his potentia absolutapotentia absoluta
nothing in common with mannothing in common with man
comprehensible in hiscomprehensible in his potentia ordinatapotentia ordinata
revelation of his characterrevelation of his character
revelation of conditions of salvationrevelation of conditions of salvation
importance of divine-human covenantimportance of divine-human covenant

26. NominalismNominalism
Salvation dependent upon acquisition ofSalvation dependent upon acquisition of
merits.merits.
duty to do what you can with your humanduty to do what you can with your human
capacities to do what is right (capacities to do what is right (facere quod infacere quod in
se estse est) = acquisition of merits) = acquisition of merits
natural ability to love and trust Godnatural ability to love and trust God
after you have done what you can, divineafter you have done what you can, divine
grace helps you get more merits. God offersgrace helps you get more merits. God offers
you a deal.you a deal.

27. NominalismNominalism
Impact of nominalism on spiritualityImpact of nominalism on spirituality
multiplication of good works (pilgrimages,multiplication of good works (pilgrimages,
candles, rosaries, indulgences)candles, rosaries, indulgences)
great veneration for the saintsgreat veneration for the saints
German emphasis on sufferings of JesusGerman emphasis on sufferings of Jesus
upon the crossupon the cross
great value of relicsgreat value of relics
veneration for parts of body of Jesus, ratherveneration for parts of body of Jesus, rather
than Jesus himselfthan Jesus himself

28. NominalismNominalism
Soteriology - covenant between God andSoteriology - covenant between God and
humanity.humanity.
unilaterally imposed by Godunilaterally imposed by God
God established the condition for justificationGod established the condition for justification
God has ordained that he will acceptGod has ordained that he will accept
individuals who do their bestindividuals who do their best
““Facere quod in se est” = Doing what liesFacere quod in se est” = Doing what lies
within you or doing your best.within you or doing your best.

29. NominalismNominalism
Schola Augustiniana Moderna – (a type ofSchola Augustiniana Moderna – (a type of
Nominalism)Nominalism)
Main center Morton College, OxfordMain center Morton College, Oxford
UniversityUniversity
Main prophets:Main prophets:
 Thomas BradwineThomas Bradwine
Gregory of Rimini.Gregory of Rimini.

30. Schola Augustiniana ModernaSchola Augustiniana Moderna
Thomas BradwineThomas Bradwine
 ““The course of God against Pelagius”The course of God against Pelagius”
charged opponents of Pelaganismcharged opponents of Pelaganism
Gregory of RiminiGregory of Rimini
 Augustinian monkAugustinian monk
continues Bradwine’s ideascontinues Bradwine’s ideas
 rejected universalsrejected universals
Soteriology reflected Augustinianism andSoteriology reflected Augustinianism and
focus on grace.focus on grace.

31. MysticismMysticism
Definition: effort to come close to GodDefinition: effort to come close to God
through mystical experience.through mystical experience.
A mystic is someone who seeks directA mystic is someone who seeks direct
intimate, personal communication with God.intimate, personal communication with God.
Christianity has always contained an elementChristianity has always contained an element
of mysticism. Christ indwells the believer andof mysticism. Christ indwells the believer and
the Holy Spirit bears witness directly withinthe Holy Spirit bears witness directly within
him.him.

32. MysticismMysticism
 Three basic types:Three basic types:
1.1. Pantheistic type - tends to merge personalityPantheistic type - tends to merge personality
with God.with God.
2.2. Meditative type - characteristic in monasticMeditative type - characteristic in monastic
experience, holiness by isolation.experience, holiness by isolation.
3.3. Practical type - emphasizes imitating Christ.Practical type - emphasizes imitating Christ.
Holiness by works of Christ.Holiness by works of Christ.

33. MysticismMysticism
Complexity of mystical currentComplexity of mystical current
Reliance upon special capacity of the soulReliance upon special capacity of the soul
that transcends reason and comes inthat transcends reason and comes in
contact with God – “cognitocontact with God – “cognito
experimentalis.”experimentalis.”
Superiority of “cognito experimentalis”Superiority of “cognito experimentalis”
over cognito rationalisover cognito rationalis
Mystical experience different from mereMystical experience different from mere
feelingfeeling

34. MysticismMysticism
 Three main stages of mysticalThree main stages of mystical
experienceexperience
1.1. Required contemplation: experimentalRequired contemplation: experimental
knowledge of God through asceticknowledge of God through ascetic
mortification of senses and reasonmortification of senses and reason
 Absolute necessity of receptive passivityAbsolute necessity of receptive passivity
 Gelassenheit. Freedom from control ofGelassenheit. Freedom from control of
ego (entrusting oneself fully to God).ego (entrusting oneself fully to God).

35. Mysticism: Three main stagesMysticism: Three main stages
2.2. Infused contemplation - extraInfused contemplation - extra
contemplation through divine gracecontemplation through divine grace
• German mysticsGerman mystics
• Latin mysticsLatin mystics
3.3. Union: spiritual marriage and absorptionUnion: spiritual marriage and absorption
into God, superior beauty of future ageinto God, superior beauty of future age

36. MysticismMysticism
Mysticism tends to do away withMysticism tends to do away with
intermediaries between believer and God.intermediaries between believer and God.
Church needs mysticism but also it mayChurch needs mysticism but also it may
threaten the church.threaten the church.
In extreme cases mystic dispenses withIn extreme cases mystic dispenses with
Scripture.Scripture.

37. German mysticismGerman mysticism
Three great scholars:Three great scholars:
Meister Eckart (ca 1260-1327)Meister Eckart (ca 1260-1327)
strict ascetic.strict ascetic.
Dominion scholarDominion scholar
possible to attain a sate of sinless perfectionpossible to attain a sate of sinless perfection
under the leading of the Spirit one can be perfectlyunder the leading of the Spirit one can be perfectly
free.free.
deep within each person a “soul spark” placedeep within each person a “soul spark” place
where God encounters us and comes to dwellwhere God encounters us and comes to dwell
his views influenced Lutherhis views influenced Luther
John Taule (ca 1300-1361)John Taule (ca 1300-1361)

38. Three great scholars:Three great scholars:
Gerard Groote (ca 1340-1384)Gerard Groote (ca 1340-1384)
Inspired new form of Mysticism: “devotioInspired new form of Mysticism: “devotio
moderna.”moderna.”
Former wealthy canon lawyer turned CarthusianFormer wealthy canon lawyer turned Carthusian
monk.monk.
Devoted life to reforming clergy and teaching theDevoted life to reforming clergy and teaching the
young.young.
His followers were called “brethren of the commonHis followers were called “brethren of the common
life.”life.”

39. Gerard Groote (ca 1340-1384)Gerard Groote (ca 1340-1384)
His followers were called “brethren of theHis followers were called “brethren of the
common life.”common life.”
best known member: Thomas a Kempis 1380-best known member: Thomas a Kempis 1380-
14711471
wrote great classicwrote great classic Imitation of ChristImitation of Christ
sought salvation by loving God and imitating Christsought salvation by loving God and imitating Christ
personalized religion and minimized thepersonalized religion and minimized the
importance of formal Christianityimportance of formal Christianity
emphasized simplicity of life, peace of soul andemphasized simplicity of life, peace of soul and
purity of thoughtpurity of thought

40. HumanismHumanism
 Definitions and CharacteristicsDefinitions and Characteristics
 Movement devoted to classical scholarship and studyMovement devoted to classical scholarship and study
of languages, new philosophy of the Renaissanceof languages, new philosophy of the Renaissance
 Hostile to Scholasticism concern (with ethics ratherHostile to Scholasticism concern (with ethics rather
than theology).than theology).
 A cultural and educational movement concerned withA cultural and educational movement concerned with
promotion of eloquence in its various formspromotion of eloquence in its various forms
 Concerned with how ideas were obtained andConcerned with how ideas were obtained and
expressed, rather than with the actual content ofexpressed, rather than with the actual content of
ideas.ideas.

41. Humanism: Definitions andHumanism: Definitions and
CharacteristicsCharacteristics
Major slogan of Humanism - Ad FontesMajor slogan of Humanism - Ad Fontes
Back to original sourceBack to original source
Seeking to recover the intellectual and artisticSeeking to recover the intellectual and artistic
glories of the classical periodglories of the classical period
Read sources with attitudes of expectation; toRead sources with attitudes of expectation; to
rediscover the experiences they reflected (NTrediscover the experiences they reflected (NT
books).books).

42. Two strands of HumanismTwo strands of Humanism
 Two strands:Two strands:
ItalianItalian
 Northern European (but influenced by Italian)Northern European (but influenced by Italian)
 Northern European scholars who move south to study in ItalyNorthern European scholars who move south to study in Italy
who then return to their homelandwho then return to their homeland
 Christopher Scheurl-Law at Bologna-returned to university ofChristopher Scheurl-Law at Bologna-returned to university of
Wittenberg.Wittenberg.
 Correspondence between Italian and Northern EuropeanCorrespondence between Italian and Northern European
scholarsscholars
 Printed book from Italy, reprinted by Northern EuropeanPrinted book from Italy, reprinted by Northern European
presses.presses.

43. Characteristics of NorthernCharacteristics of Northern
HumanismHumanism
 Common ideals:Common ideals:
 concern for written and spoken eloquenceconcern for written and spoken eloquence
 religious programs focus on corporatereligious programs focus on corporate
revival of churchrevival of church
 PacificismPacificism
 practical emphasis on morality and religion -practical emphasis on morality and religion -
secondary importance of doctrine.secondary importance of doctrine.

44. Humanistic Scholars and their workHumanistic Scholars and their work
Most influential - Erasmus of RotterdamMost influential - Erasmus of Rotterdam
Reflects Northern Humanism at its bestReflects Northern Humanism at its best
(cosmopolitan)(cosmopolitan)
Regarded himself as citizen of world, shunnedRegarded himself as citizen of world, shunned
NationalismNationalism
Concentrate on eliminating nationalist ideasConcentrate on eliminating nationalist ideas
and valuesand values
Most influential work -Most influential work - Enchiridion MilitisEnchiridion Militis
ChristianiChristiani (handbook of the Christian soldier,(handbook of the Christian soldier,
first published 1503, reprinted 1509, 23first published 1503, reprinted 1509, 23
editions in six years after 1515).editions in six years after 1515).

45. Enchiridion Militis ChristianiEnchiridion Militis Christiani
Thesis - church can be reformed by studyThesis - church can be reformed by study
of Scripture and early church fathers.of Scripture and early church fathers.
Layman’s guide to study of the ScripturesLayman’s guide to study of the Scriptures
Philosophy of Christ - practical morality,Philosophy of Christ - practical morality,
superiority of newer religion.superiority of newer religion.
Little spiritual value of rituals.Little spiritual value of rituals.
NT is the law of Christ, which ChristiansNT is the law of Christ, which Christians
are called to obey.are called to obey.
Christians called to imitate Christ.Christians called to imitate Christ.

46. Enchiridion Militis ChristianiEnchiridion Militis Christiani
Features of the bookFeatures of the book
Lay people need strength of the church notLay people need strength of the church not
clergyclergy
Story emphasizes an inner religionStory emphasizes an inner religion
Religion is a matter of individual’s heart andReligion is a matter of individual’s heart and
mind.mind.
Monastic life not a superior form ofMonastic life not a superior form of
ChristianityChristianity
Major revolutionary idea - lay people key toMajor revolutionary idea - lay people key to
revival of the church. Scripture must be maderevival of the church. Scripture must be made
available to themavailable to them

47. Enchiridion Militis ChristianiEnchiridion Militis Christiani
Obstacles:Obstacles:
Study NT in original languagesStudy NT in original languages
Competence in GreekCompetence in Greek
Overcame by Erasmus Novum InstrumentumOvercame by Erasmus Novum Instrumentum
Omne 1516Omne 1516
Lorenzo Valla 15th century notes on GreekLorenzo Valla 15th century notes on Greek
text of the NTtext of the NT

48. Enchiridion Militis ChristianiEnchiridion Militis Christiani
 Differences with Latin VulgateDifferences with Latin Vulgate
 Eph. 5:31-32 - translation of Greek word “mystery”Eph. 5:31-32 - translation of Greek word “mystery”
instead of “sacrament.”instead of “sacrament.”
 Matt 4:17 - do penance -another sacrament - externalMatt 4:17 - do penance -another sacrament - external
act.act.
 Greek word - repent -inward psychological attitudes.Greek word - repent -inward psychological attitudes.
 Lk 1:28 - full of grace - revision full of liquid grace.Lk 1:28 - full of grace - revision full of liquid grace.
 Greek - favored one; one who has found favor; seeGreek - favored one; one who has found favor; see
Humanist scholars hand out.Humanist scholars hand out.

49. Humanism: Impact on theHumanism: Impact on the
ReformationReformation
Its impact was different on the two majorIts impact was different on the two major
strands of the continental Reformation:strands of the continental Reformation:
Swiss ReformationSwiss Reformation
Lutheran ReformationLutheran Reformation

50. Impact on Swiss ReformationImpact on Swiss Reformation
 Religion seen as something spiritual andReligion seen as something spiritual and
internal. Primary purpose of religion to inculcateinternal. Primary purpose of religion to inculcate
believer with inner attitude of humility and willingbeliever with inner attitude of humility and willing
obedience to God.obedience to God.
 Emphasis on moral and ethical regeneration.Emphasis on moral and ethical regeneration.
 Focuses on Jesus primarily as moral example.Focuses on Jesus primarily as moral example.
 Certain early church fathers singled out JeromeCertain early church fathers singled out Jerome
and Origen, not Augustine.and Origen, not Augustine.

51. Impact on Swiss ReformationImpact on Swiss Reformation
Reformation focuses primarily on life andReformation focuses primarily on life and
morals of the church rather than itsmorals of the church rather than its
doctrine.doctrine.
Reformation educational/human processReformation educational/human process
based on insight contained in NT andbased on insight contained in NT and
early church fathers.early church fathers.
Swiss reformation dominated bySwiss reformation dominated by
Humanism - major intellectual force of thisHumanism - major intellectual force of this
reform movement.reform movement.

52. Impact on Lutheran ReformationImpact on Lutheran Reformation
More limited.More limited.
Zwingli saw morals of church in need ofZwingli saw morals of church in need of
reform.reform.
Luther saw theology of church in need ofLuther saw theology of church in need of
reform.reform.
Set in academic setting and sought toSet in academic setting and sought to
refute scholastic theology, especially therefute scholastic theology, especially the
doctrine of justification.doctrine of justification.

53. Impact on Lutheran ReformationImpact on Lutheran Reformation
 Luther drew upon Scriptures and fathers,Luther drew upon Scriptures and fathers,
especially Augustine. (Used tools provided byespecially Augustine. (Used tools provided by
Humanism).Humanism).
 Greek NT, knowledge of Hebrews and historicalGreek NT, knowledge of Hebrews and historical
ideasideas
 Luther rejected scholasticism because of itsLuther rejected scholasticism because of its
wrong theology. (Swiss reformers rejected itwrong theology. (Swiss reformers rejected it
because of its lack of eloquence, unintelligibility).because of its lack of eloquence, unintelligibility).
 Both groups believed Scriptures held key toBoth groups believed Scriptures held key to
reform of the church.reform of the church.

54. Impact on Lutheran ReformationImpact on Lutheran Reformation
Humanist authority of Scriptures vested inHumanist authority of Scriptures vested in
its eloquence, simplicity, antiquityits eloquence, simplicity, antiquity
Swiss reformers authority grounded in theSwiss reformers authority grounded in the
concept word of God and provided sourceconcept word of God and provided source
of moral conduct.of moral conduct.
Lutherans - word of God - record of God=sLutherans - word of God - record of God=s
gracious promises to those who believe.gracious promises to those who believe.

55. Impact on Lutheran RefomationImpact on Lutheran Refomation
Humanists - worship of fathers (eloquenceHumanists - worship of fathers (eloquence
and antiquity) equal value - represented aand antiquity) equal value - represented a
comprehensive form of Christianitycomprehensive form of Christianity
Swiss reformers - certain fathers moreSwiss reformers - certain fathers more
important, Origen, Jeromeimportant, Origen, Jerome
Wittenberg reformers - Augustine - pre-Wittenberg reformers - Augustine - pre-
eminent;eminent;
Theological criterion: how reliableTheological criterion: how reliable
interpretation of the NT are they.interpretation of the NT are they.