Description
Book SynopsisThe Christian doctrine of justification is of immense interest to historians and theologians ,and continues to be of major importance in modern ecumenical discussions. The present work appeared in its first edition in 1986, and rapidly became the leading reference work on the subject. Its many acclaimed features include a detailed assessment of the semantic background of the concept in the Ancient Near East, a thorough examination of the doctrine of the medieval period, and an especially careful analysis of its development during the critical years of the sixteenth century. The substantially rewritten fourth edition thoroughly updates the work, responding to the latest developments in scholarly literature and user feedback. It will remain an essential resource for all concerned with the development of Christian doctrine, the history of the Reformation debates on the identity of Christianity, and modern discussions between Protestants and Roman Catholics over the nature of salvation.
Table of ContentsPart I. Justification: The Emergence of a Concept: 1. The Hebraic context: semantic aspects of the concept of justification; 2. Paul and the shaping of the Christian tradition; 3. The fountainhead: Augustine of Hippo; Part II. The Middle Ages: The Consolidation of the Doctrine: 4. The nature of Justification; 5. The righteousness of God; 6. The concept of grace; 7. The human appropriation of justification; 8. Justification and the two powers of God; 9. The concept of merit; 10. Justification and the sacraments; Part III. Protestantism: The Reformation Debates on Justification: 11. Is there a 'Reformation' doctrine of justification?; 12. Luther's early approach to justification; 13. Justification in Lutheranism, 1516–1580; 14. Reformed theology, 1519–1560; 15. The English Reformation: from Tyndale to Hooker; 16. Protestant Orthodoxy: 17. Anglicanism: the Caroline Divines; 18. Puritanism: from the Old World to the New; 19. Pietism: justification and the 'new birth'; Part IV. Catholicism: The Council of Trent on justification; 20. The development of the doctrine within Catholicism, 1490–1545; 21. Catholic responses to early Protestant doctrines of justification; 22. An attempt at rapprochement: the Regensburg Colloquy (1541); 23. Catholic theological schools during the Tridentine debates on justification; 24. The Tridentine debates on justification; 25. The Tridentine decree on justification; 26. Post-Tridentine discussions of justification; Part V. The Modern Period: 27. The Enlightenment: justification, moralism, and rationalism; 28. The long nineteenth century: retrieval and reconfiguration; 29. Contemporary renewal: justification and theological reconstruction; Conclusion: reflections on a study of doctrinal history.
