Review: REFORMATION THOUGHT BY Alister E. McGrath

McGrath presents a book that aims to introduce; explain; and contextualize the period of history known as the Reformation. In his introduction McGrath lays out a clear and concise understanding of the need for Reformation in the sixteenth century and just what the concept of the Reformation was. He creates a picture of what impact the printing press would have on the Reformation and then puts the ideas behind the Reformation in social context; that is, the social role of religious ideas

The backdrop of the Reformation takes place well before the sixteenth century. McGrath covers the important aspects of the rise of anti-clericalism and anti-papalism that was taking place in the fifteenth century. This rebellion, in part, had to do with taxes, in which the clergy was exempt.

McGrath's chapter on Humanism and the Reformation is helpful in understanding the word `humanism' as used by a twenty-first century writer vs. the sixteenth century writer or theologian. In the modern sense, humanism is an anti-religious philosophy, which affirms the human without any reference to God. According to McGrath, "humanists of the fourteenth, fifteenth or sixteenth centuries were remarkably religious..."

The book goes to great length to describe the intellectual movement of Scholasticism. He defines it "not as a specific system of beliefs, but to a particular way of organizing theology." McGrath says that to some, Scholasticism was just a form of theological nitpicking. Unfortunately, McGrath bogs down in this area. In fact, he says "I have found it impossible to simplify any further the material which follows...many readers will probably be gripped with a sense of utter tedium as I try to explain some of the leading ideas of scholasticism." In this he is absolutely correct!

I like the way McGrath presents a brief biographical introduction to each of the leading Reformers; Luther, Zwingli, Melanchthon, Bucer, and Calvin. He then enters into an interesting discussion of the doctrine of Justification by Faith. He says the central question forced upon the church by the rise of humanism was `What must I, as an individual, do to be saved?" It is at this point that Luther "wander[s] on to the stage as its chief actor." McGrath then proceeds to thoroughly discuss Luther's concept of Justification by faith alone, which is that the individual sinner is incapable of self-justification. Likewise McGrath explains the differing opinions of all the Reformers on this subject including that of the Roman Catholic Church. He follows his discussion of Justification by faith with a brief chapter on Predestination. Other doctrines presented by McGrath include the Doctrine of Sacraments and the Doctrine of the Church.

Since the idea of scriptura sola became the mantra of the reformers, McGrath takes time to look at the importance of Scripture in his chapter "The Return to Scripture." He summarizes the Reformation attitude toward Scripture by quoting William Chillingworth, a famous seventeenth-century English Protestant, "I say, the Bible only, is the religion of Protestants." McGrath's section on The Right to Interpret Scripture is important. He points out that Luther suggests that the ordinary pious Christian believer is perfectly capable of reading Scripture and making perfect sense of what he finds within its pages.

McGrath's chapter on The Political Thought of the Reformation gives us pause to examine our own thoughts and beliefs regarding church and state. He poses the question, "what happens if the state become tyrannical? Have Christians the right to intervene and actively oppose the state? He goes on to discuss all of the Reformers views regarding political thought.

McGrath spends some brief time on the English Reformation in Chapter 13. The origins are discussed stating that the background lies in Henry VIII concern to ensure a smooth transition of power after his death through producing a son as heir to the English throne. Unfortunately, his marriage to Catherine of Aragon had produced a daughter, the future queen, Mary Tudor. McGrath takes the reader through a maze of intrigue as Henry begins divorce proceedings, is faced with excommunication, and is faced with the threat of invasion from neighboring catholic states.

McGrath concludes with the Impact of the Reformation Thought upon History. He cites several positive impacts such as the idea that the real vocation of a Christian lay in serving God in the world and that working hard caused one to prosper.

I found the book interesting at times and at other times I could hardly comprehend what I was reading (as in the chapter on scholasticism). Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and will most likely use it as a reference for years to come.

The author concludes by admitting that the book is limited, but that it has tried to draw back the curtain a little, and allow us to understand better what otherwise might remain a complete mystery. To this, I agree.