Doing Theology with the Reformers

The Reformation was a time of tremendous upheaval, renewal, and vitality in the life of the church. The challenge to maintain and develop faithful Christian belief and practice in the midst of great disruption was reflected in the theology of the sixteenth century.

In this volume, which serves as a companion to IVP Academic's Reformation Commentary on Scripture, theologian and church historian Gerald L. Bray immerses readers in the world of Reformation theology. He introduces the range of theological debates as Catholics and Protestants from a diversity of traditions—Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, and Anabaptist—disputed the essentials of the faith, from the authority of Scripture and the nature of salvation to the definition of the church, the efficacy of the sacraments, and the place of good works in the Christian life.

Endorsements

"Once again Gerald Bray has managed to combine his profound knowledge and his great writing style in a book that not only demonstrates that theology was the core matter of the Reformation but also what that theology was, where it came from, and how it functioned. This book is a wonderful help to understand the Reformers and their message and to see the relevance of Reformation theology."
—Herman Selderhuis, president of the Theological University Apeldoorn, director of Refo500

"Here is an excellent book by a master historian, a study that places the Reformation and its theology in the context of the church and culture in which it happened. A fine companion to the Reformation Commentary on Scripture."
—Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University, general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture

"Taking an approach that is both accessible and knowledgeable, Bray dexterously weaves an engaging tapestry, orienting readers to the key Reformation-era theologians and their insights. His themes range from the sources of authority in the Reformation churches to the complexities of church-state relations, helping modern-day readers engage with the leading theological issues in early modern Western Christianity."
—Karin Maag, director of the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies, Calvin College

"It is impossible to understand the Reformation without a clear comprehension of the changing social and geopolitical landscapes of the sixteenth century, the driving importance of a number of complex theological issues, and the sometimes tangled interplay between the two. In Doing Theology with the Reformers, Professor Gerald Bray offers a most excellent and integrated overview of Reformation history and doctrine that will serve equally well as a solid introduction to the field and as an engaging read for anyone wanting to further thicken up their knowledge of the period and its developments. With his characteristic accessibility, Professor Bray moves seamlessly from the macrosweep of early modern European history to the nuanced details of particular religious debates, interacting with the major persons, texts, regions, and emphases as he evenhandedly narrates the theological story of the Reformation. With plenty of direct connections to present day religion and culture in the West, this volume will profit all its readers at multiple levels."
—Tim Patrick, principal, Bible College of South Australia