Book

I just finished reading this book, Forerunners of the Reformation: The Shape of Late Medieval Thought Illustrated by Key Documents by Heiko Oberman. The thesis of the book is that many of the issues spoken and written during the Reformation had their roots in discussions and disagreements already in the Middle Ages. These were not issues that just popped up out of nowhere. I guess there was a time when that was the prevailing thought among some. In my doctoral studies I realized pretty quickly that was not the case. So this book wasn't surprising to me. However, it was interesting to read what various theologians wrote in the 13-15th centuries in their own words. I especially appreciated the discussion regarding Scripture and Tradition and whether there are two sources of truth or only one; and if only one, the relation of Scripture and Tradition, and the multiplicity of views on that. Johann von Staupitz's chapter was also very interesting. Being Luther's superior in the Augustinian Order, you can clearly see Luther's thoughts in his writing. Not an easy book, but worthwhile for learning more about the background of the Reformation and the undercurrents that influenced events and how folks regarded Luther.