The Heritage of Anglican Theology

Synopsis

"This tour of Anglican heritage aims to form Anglicans and to inform evangelicals by offering knowledge of Anglican traditions, insight into Anglican tensions, and resources for Anglican ministry"--.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Patristic Roots

* Traces the origins of Anglican theology to the early Church Fathers, such as Augustine of Hippo and Gregory the Great.
* Emphasizes the influence of patristic thought on Anglican doctrines, including the Trinity, incarnation, and salvation.

Real Example: The Nicene Creed, which summarizes essential Christian beliefs, reflects the patristic understanding of the Trinity and the divinity of Christ.

Chapter 2: The Medieval Inheritance

* Examines the influence of medieval theologians on Anglican thought, including Anselm of Canterbury and Thomas Aquinas.
* Discusses the development of Anglican doctrines during this period, such as the doctrine of purgatory and the role of the sacraments.

Real Example: The Book of Common Prayer, a central text in Anglican worship, incorporates medieval practices and liturgical elements.

Chapter 3: The Reformation and Elizabethan Settlement

* Explores the impact of the Protestant Reformation on Anglican theology.
* Highlights the contributions of key reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, and the influence of the Elizabethan Settlement on the shape of Anglicanism.

Real Example: The Thirty-Nine Articles, a foundational Anglican document, reflects the theological shift towards Reformed Protestantism during this period.

Chapter 4: The Caroline and Restoration Era

* Examines the development of Anglican theology under the Stuart kings.
* Discusses the influence of Arminianism, a theological movement emphasizing human free will, and the rise of Laudianism, a liturgical and ceremonial movement.

Real Example: The Canons of the Synod of Dort, which condemned Arminianism, had a profound impact on Anglican theology during this period.

Chapter 5: The Rise of Evangelicalism

* Explores the rise of evangelicalism within Anglicanism in the 18th and 19th centuries.
* Examines the influence of influential evangelicals, such as John Wesley and William Wilberforce, and the impact of evangelicalism on social reform and mission.

Real Example: The revivalist preaching and emphasis on personal conversion characteristic of evangelicalism became a defining feature of Anglican worship during this period.

Chapter 6: The Oxford Movement and the Tractarians

* Discusses the Oxford Movement, a theological current within Anglicanism that emphasized the importance of tradition and the sacraments.
* Highlights the contributions of Tractarian scholars, such as John Henry Newman and Edward Bouverie Pusey, and their influence on Anglican identity.

Real Example: The Tractarian emphasis on apostolic succession and ritual led to a re-evaluation of the role of the clergy and the significance of liturgy in Anglicanism.

Chapter 7: Modern Anglican Theology

* Explores the development of Anglican theology in the 20th and 21st centuries.
* Discusses the influence of modern critical scholarship, the ecumenical movement, and contemporary issues on Anglican thought.

Real Example: The Lambeth Conferences, held every ten years, bring together Anglican bishops from around the world to discuss and address theological and social issues facing the Anglican Communion.