Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:” Tyndale continues in his Preface to complain of George Joye’s deceitful and deceiving translation of the word “resurrection” as “eternal life” (29). Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” Latimer engages the question: “What of our ancestors who never heard the Word preached? Damned? Latimer answers (134). Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Bates gives some of Cranmer’s sarcasm about lay pieties at Holy Communion. “Hold it higher!” “I have to see the LORD every day,” inter alia (115). Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” Prof. Mac gives some of the canards of Archdeacon Nicholas Harpfield about Mrs. Cranmer and the portable box with holes in it (for breathing) (250). Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” Innes reflects on the monastic closures, not put to educational or religious uses, a loss not just to the church but the entire nation. Meanwhile, Harry and nobles got richer (78). Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” Williams discusses the creations of 1534: the Oath of Succession, Act of Supremacy and the Treason Act (45). Williams makes the unwarranted claim that Cranmer was naïve. Wrong, he was skilled at RealPolitik. Ayris, Paul, and David Selwyn, eds. “Thomas Cranmer: Churchman and Scholar:” Sprinks gives Cranmer’s 1549 and 1552 funeral rites, the latter omitting invocations of the departed, thanks to Martin Bucer (186). Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” in the summer of 1540 which sees Cromwell's head roll, there is a commission of theologians at Lambeth discussing what may ultimately be the King's Book. Skip and Heath stop backing Cranmer and he warns them against flipping. The exact doctrinal point is unknown., Harry never trusted a flipper (211).