Penitence, Preaching and the Coming of the Reformation (St. Andrew's Studies in Reformation History)
Book Description
This scholarly exploration reveals how medieval teachings on repentance and spiritual transformation laid the groundwork for one of history's most significant religious upheavals. Anne T. Thayer examines collections of model sermons from the late medieval period, uncovering how different regions developed distinct approaches to preaching about penitence and spiritual renewal.
The research demonstrates that theological concepts about repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual change reached far beyond church leadership to shape ordinary believers' understanding of their faith. These varying regional emphases on penitential practices created a complex spiritual landscape where some communities became receptive to reformist ideas while others remained resistant to change.
Through careful analysis of sermon collections, Thayer shows how people's existing beliefs about spiritual transformation influenced their response to new theological perspectives. The book challenges assumptions about religious change, arguing that popular understanding of spiritual concepts played a crucial role in determining how communities received and interpreted reformist teachings.
For readers interested in spiritual development and religious transformation, this work offers insights into how deeply held beliefs about repentance and renewal can shape entire communities' spiritual journeys. The study illuminates the powerful connection between preaching, popular religious understanding, and the capacity for spiritual change, demonstrating how theological ideas about penitence moved from pulpit to pew to influence the course of religious history.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 240 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore Histoire
- ✓ Explore Repentance
- ✓ Explore 234/.5
- ✓ Explore Réforme (Christianisme)
- ✓ Explore Christian Theology
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Protestant
