Cranmer Studies

Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” One hears from Bishop Jewel’s Apology for the Church of England, 1562, published in advance of the close of the Council of Trent. He advocates for the biblicality and simplification of the CoE with services in English (151). VALUE: holding the standing principles of the Reformed Church of England (without the conflictions and confusions of subsequent centuries). It still operates for Reformed Prayer Book Churchmen, even those subscribing to the Westminster Standards. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” 9. Music and English Liturgy—Margot Johnson, 144-166. John Merbecke (1510-1585), a Calvinist, organmeister, teacher of choristers, teacher of organists, and paid as a staffer, serves at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. His musical service for a sung Holy Communion is well known (145). Richard Turner, a Reformed man and Marian exile, is connected to Windsor as Cranmer’s Chaplain, and is known to Merbecke (147). Somehow, Merbeck survived the Marian period as a teacher of music at the Windsor Castle (148). VALUE: the continuing glories of the Anglican Cathedral tradition of music, second to none. Diarmaid McCulloch’s “Thomas Cranmer:” Prof. Mac tells us of the refoundation of Cathedral constitutions. Cranmer gets his six theological lectures for Canterbury, but is forced to keep the 12 prebendaries whom he views as lazy and non-productive, belly-cheering vianders (264). On 12 April 1540, committees are appointed to review doctrine, the Bishops’ Book, and what ceremonies should be revised. Prof. Mac asserts that Henry wanted a middle way, but this was frustrated by the evangelicals and traditionalists. VALUE: of note, Cranmer goes rather mum—Realpolitik—on overt connections to the Swiss, yet, with the German delegations given the book over the past few years. Margaret and children are in Germany in exile (268). Arthur Innes: “Cranmer and the Reformation in England:” 9. CHAPTER IX: AFFAIRS ON THE CONTINENT: 1530-1563, 97-110. Some backdrop is given on Luther, Clement 7, Paul 3, Emperor Charles, conflictions in the German states, and the Augsburg Confession of 1530, a political settlement over theological issues (101). VALUE: insights to the mens rea of Cranmer over these events? What does he know, when, how and where? Cranmer en route to Italy over the matrimony affair in 1530? Leslie Williams’ “Emblem of Faith Untouched: A Short Life of Thomas Cranmer:” 10. Tradition, 62-68. Events dealing with the German delegation is given in May 1539 (we aren’t sure of Leslie’s dating here) over clerical marriage and communion in one kind. A “violent debate” ensues and the Germans are sent packing. But Jun 5, 1539, the Six Articles are passed, despite Dr. Cranmer’s 3-day fight in Parliament in Henry’s presence. Henry dismisses Dr. Cranmer from the time when the vote was taken. VALUE: mens rea of Dr. Cranmer and Henry in summer 1539 (64). Ayris, Paul, and David Selwyn, eds. “Thomas Cranmer: Churchman and Scholar:” 9. Cranmer and Popular Religion—E. Duffy, 199-216. One hears of Cranmer’s view on superstitious ceremonies and customs, yet, so deeply ingrained in popular piety. He makes a note that Cranmer’s death did much to lead to the Elizabethan settlement and reformation (202). VALUE: Dr. Cranmer's mens rea. Ridley, Jaspar. “Thomas Cranmer:” Oddly, Prof. Ridley tacks onto the story of Katherine Howard almost an independent subject—transference of the revision of the Great Bible to the universities c. 1542. VALUE: did Cranmer sacrifice his integrity 1540 and forwards? The Six Articles of 1539? Yet, arguing for the Bible’s revision and publicity? Realpolitik.