Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:” Tyndale’s Preface to the Pentateuch (1530) breathes common sense, the perspicuity of the text, the lamentations of ignorant impugners, and also faith, hope, clarity and evident piety. He’s a Bible-man (33). It really has to be read itself to get the ambience of this godly man. It’s palpable. Of note, 93% of the 1611 KJV is Tyndale, shaping centuries of the English language along with Shakespeare. Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” Latimer’s example of clear, direct, and courageous preaching is given. Quotes from Latimer’s sermon before Edward VI and Convocation about Jonah’s direct preaching in Ninevah to King and citizens. Repent. You have 40 days or else. Latimer isn’t pulling punches and says Jonah “nipped, pinched and sharply bit” his hearers (138). Well, that won’t go over at Trinity Episcopal of Wall Street, NYC or the Cathedral, Washington DC. Can’t ya’ just trim it Latimer? Like a sensitive weather-vane-feathercock atop the spire? C’mon now, your audience will go “Harumpf! Harumph!” As Tillach said, “I’ll lose my audience.” Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” The Six Articles of 1539 really puts the heat on England from Continental Reformers, Lutheran and Reformed. The evangelicals in England are put back on their heels. Bucer is depressed seeing it as the end of his 1535 alliance project (254). Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” Innes discusses freedom of conscience in Tudor England. Think as the King tells ya. But, that was not unique to Tudor England, but also Continental Europe. Cuius regio, cuius religio. Don’t like it? Welcome to the stake. Henry’s view on authority was himself (82). Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” A fast wrap of 1545-1535 is given. The prelude to monastic dissolutions is in view in 1535. Crum, an old agent of Wolsey, learning the art of closing 30 monasteries to fund Wolsey’s new college at Oxford, was a template. Henry wanted the 800 shut down to break Rome’s chokehold over monks and Romanist opinions, but also as a means of bribing wealthy noblemen in search of bargain-basement prices for land, manors and other saleable items, silver, gold, lead, etc. Cranmer was impotent, or, powerless in the face of avarice and greed (50). Ayris, Paul, and David Selwyn, eds. “Thomas Cranmer: Churchman and Scholar:” One gets a brief tour of 12th-15th century, Anglo-Norman, Gallican and Anglican liturgical rites for marriage, stressing mutual consent (190). Predicates for Dr. Cranmer’s glorious 1662 wedding rite, the envy of many Protestant denominations that hi-jack it. This scribes can’t see how it can be improved. Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” Cranmer’s reputation takes hits from English and Continental Reformers for his involvements in null-gigs for Harry. They had it right. But, then, Luther and Melancthon gave permission to Philip of Hesse to marry, a bigamous event with no divorce. Cram writes a self-exonerating and self-righteous letter to Osiander about the German’s double-standards (215). Nice try, Cram. Own it! You were Harry’s dutiful lapdog for Harry’s matrimonial adventures.