Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:” Tyndale concludes his Preface to the 1526/1534 NT by again invoking George Joye to honesty (using his own name, versus Tyndale’s) and again calling for any honest corrections to be made to the NT translation. He’s open to any reasonable amendment. Soon enough, we’ll hear of Tyndale’s Preface to the 1530 Pentateuch (31). Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” Latimer continues to say that preaching of God’s unvarnished Word is to be preached to Kings, Princes, and all others. He preaches as such before Harry and his court. He notes publicly before the King that one fella told him to trim it, like a sensitive, fair weathercock (our words), but he exposes the counsel as wrong. He intends to preach God’s unvarnished Word. Courage is the note offered by Latimer (136). Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Hugh Bates say that Cranmer had a “trained mind” and was a “master of language.” He had “theological consistency” and “superbly crafted” the BCPs. He was a “theologian and a pastor (117). He did not violate Medieval pieties but enriched and purified them. Well said. We’re Reformed BCP-people here by design and determination. Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” Prof. Mac tries to exonerate Cranmer in his submission to the Six Articles by attempting to notice some alleged evangelical advances, e.g., the omission of the term “transubstantiation. A hat-trick on our view. A distinction with no difference. Unfortunately, we do not have a transcript or summary of Dr. Cranmer’s open opposition to the Six Articles in Parliament. Prof. Mac locates the Gostwick-scene to this period, statements made by Gostwick in the Commons. Harry puts Gostwick in his place (252). Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” 8. CHAPTER VIII: FIDEI DEFENSOR: 1529-1547, 80-96. Cranmer and Royal Supremacy. Innes makes his start talking about “freedom of conscience” but in terms of Harry and the Church only. Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” 7. Royal Supremacy, 41-47. Williams makes the start on Reformatory Acts of Harry and the Parliament. It’s a quick wrap. Ayris, Paul, and David Selwyn, eds. “Thomas Cranmer: Churchman and Scholar:” 8. Cranmer’s Marriage Vow: its place in the tradition—K.W. Stevenson, 189-198. A wonderful preliminary begins with 12th century marriage rites that find their glorious entry from Anglo-Norman rites into Dr. Cranmer’s treasured marriage rite in the BCP (189). Consent of the parties is in view. Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” 14. Katherine Howard, 214-228. Prof. Ridley discusses the troubled waters in Sept 1540 after Crumwell lost his head in July 1540. Continental betting odds were on Cram to follow Crum. The bad taste of the Cleves-fiasco is in many mouths.