A Central European Synthesis of Radical and Magisterial Reform: The Sacramental Theology of Balthasar Hubmaier / Edition 1

by Kirk R. MacGregor

Overview

Challenging the widespread classification of evangelical theologian Balthasar Hubmaier (1480-1528) as a Schleitheim-adhering Anabaptist, this book argues that Hubmaier should instead be understood as a bridge between the Radical and Magisterial branches of the Reformation. Paramount among this book's new discoveries is the overarching three-tiered structure of Hubmaier's theological system, consisting of a libertarian anthropology, sacramental theology, and ecclesiology. While recent studies have demonstrated the favorable reception of Bernard of Clairvaux by Luther and Calvin, this book reveals that Bernard also exerted a profound impact upon Hubmaier's anthropology. Consequently, Hubmaier crafted highly philosophically realist doctrines of believers' baptism and the Eucharist as grace-imparting sacraments instead of ordinances without salvific power. In Hubmaier's baptism, God not only regenerated neophytes, but also predestined them to final salvation. By partaking of the Eucharist, Hubmaier insisted that believers themselves (not the bread and wine) were literally consubstantiated with the physical body of Christ. Intertwining church discipline with sacramental reception, Hubmaier devised a strikingly progressive ecclesiology in which free churches were administered by local governments. This book provides for a deeper understanding of one of the 16th century's most creative and sophisticated thinkers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761834618
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	04/27/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.42(w) x 8.96(h) x 0.94(d)

About the Author

Kirk R. MacGregor (Ph.D., University of Iowa) is a historian of Christianity who specializes in Reformation studies and New Testament. He has published several pieces in scholarly journals and academic reference works. Dr. MacGregor teaches religion at the University of Northern Iowa.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 1. Reformation Taxonomies and Sacramental Theology Chapter 3 2. The Literary Dependence of Balthasar Hubmaier Upon Bernard of Clairvaux Chapter 4 3. Framing a New Theological Pilgrimage of Balthasar Hubmaier Chapter 5 4. Hubmaier's Doctrine of the Sacrament of Believers' Baptism Chapter 6 5. Hubmaier's Doctrine of the Sacrament of the Eucharist Chapter 7 6. The Free State Ecclesiology of Hubmaier Chapter 8 Conclusion: A Magisterial Radical Sacramentalist Chapter 9 Bibliography Chapter 10 Index of Scripture References Chapter 11 Subject Index Chapter 12 About the Author