Safeguarded by Glory: Michael Ramsey's Ecclesiology and the Struggles of Contemporary Anglicanism

by Jared C. Cramer

Overview

Michael Ramsey was perhaps the most respected articulator of Anglicanism for the twentieth century. Central to Ramsey's approach to theology was the gospel of Jesus' life, death, burial, and resurrection. For Ramsey this gospel revealed the very nature and glory of God. Furthermore, Ramsey believed that it influenced Christian theology at every level, from theological reflection to institutional structures. It creates a picture of a church that seeks to continue the ministry of Christ in healing a broken world, believing that the glory of Christ transforms the very nature of suffering so that it also becomes an avenue of redemption. In the last 50 years, the Anglican Communion has seen profound changes to its global polity alongside of shifts in practice and ethical beliefs in many of its provinces. These changes have been used on all sides of the debate as wedges to further disassociate the factions with one another. Ramsey's doctrine of the church, shaped by the Gospel of Christ, offers a different lens through which these changes may be viewed and critiqued. Most importantly, it suggests that the glory of God in Christ still safeguards the church.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739142714
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	08/20/2010
Pages:	172
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

The Reverend Jared C. Cramer is currently a Clergy Resident at the Historic Christ Church inAlexandria, VA. He earned his S.T.M. from The University of the South.

Table of Contents

Contents vii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xiii

Part I Ramsey's Theological Approach 1

1 A Brief Biography of Michael Ramsey 3

2 The Catholic Gospel 17

3 Authority in Theological Decisions 37

Part II Ramsey's Ecclesiology 63

4 Christ Crucified and Church Order 65

5 Eucharist and Orders as Symbols of the Body 77

6 The Gospel Defeat of Schism, a Theology of Unity 89

Part III Looking with Ramsey's Lenses 103

7 Recent Changes in Anglican Order 105

8 Evangelical Catholicity as Critique 123

Appendix: Ramsey's Engagement with Homosexuality 141

Bibliography 145

Index 151

About the Author 153

Editorial Reviews

In troubled times within the Anglican Communion it is very good to be reminded of Archbishop Michael Ramsey's generous and eirenic theology. We still have much to learn from his deep wisdom. This new book is timely and very welcome.

Rev. Dr. Robin Gill

Safeguarded by Glory is Jared C. Cramer’s exploration and application of the theological commitments of Archbishop Michael Ramsey and his ecclesiology of “glory,” in light of contemporary Anglican struggles. As such, Cramer’s work joins a number of recent publications which were either given impetus by, or written in the background of, the recent travails in the Anglican Communion over governance issues and human sexuality. It is the first to focus upon the thought of a single, influential Anglican author and is thus a welcome addition to the recent literature.

The Anglican Theological Review

Anyone concerned about the 'Anglican Covenant' or moves toward centralized authority in the Anglican Communion needs to read this accessible and important overview of Ramsey’s thought. Cramer offers an evenhanded critique of all parties in the current controversies and a bonus — an exceedingly helpful, concise, and clear summary of the recent development of the putative four instruments of unity.

The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori

Safeguarded by Glory is Jared C. Cramer’s exploration and application of the theological commitments of Archbishop Michael Ramsey and his ecclesiology of “glory,” in light of contemporary Anglican struggles. As such, Cramer’s work joins a number of recent publications which were either given impetus by, or written in the background of, the recent travails in the Anglican Communion over governance issues and human sexuality. It is the first to focus upon the thought of a single, influential Anglican author and is thus a welcome addition to the recent literature.

Anglican Theological Review