Paul Ayris & David Selwyn (ed.): Thomas Cranmer, Churchman & Scholar, Ch...
Cranmer as a Humanist Reformer—M. Dowling, 89-114.
Prof. Dowling observes that originally Christian humanism was not concerned with
doctrinal changes, but with “reform of ecclesiastical and devotional abuses” (89)
as well as Biblical/classical languages, good literature and eloquence. The essay
asks: how does Cranmer measure up as a humanist in terms of educational patronage,
promotion of better clergy and use of monies for the poor. The ideal was a knowledge
of biblical and classical languages, conversancy with the Bible, church fathers,
pagan authors, and ability in other languages too. Cranmer received the BA in 1511-1512,
MA in 1515, BDiv in the 1521, and DD in 1526, serving as a university preacher and
examiner of those advancing in divinity degrees. Cranmer was facile with Latin,
adept at Greek, but his Hebrew is questionable. He was the patron of two Hebraists—Robert
and Thomas Wakefield, two brothers. The first trained at Louvain and Tubingen and
introduced Hebrew to Fisher of Cambridge. Robert resided in Cranmer’s episcopal
household for a while. Cranmer’s scholarship was known and appreciated by Henry,
being able to get Cranmer’s theological opinion within 24 hours.[1] Morice
notes that many thought Cranmer unscholarly, giving the story of the Yorkshire priest
and Cranmer’s rebuttal.[2] Cranmer
was a large advocate of vernacular Scriptures desiring such for the national churches
and commenting on Anglo-Saxon Scriptures of old. Cranmer took a marked interest
in education of youths including a new foundation for Canterbury Cathedral.
Comments
Post a Comment