Description
The development of Thomas Cranmer’s theology of the Eucharist has often been studied and debated. This book places that development in the context of his sacramental theology and overall policy towards the reform of the liturgy. The first part of the book describes the traditional practice and perceptions of the Eucharist and Baptism (a somewhat different picture from that presented e.g. by Duffy’s Stripping of the Altars). It then follows the evidence for liturgical reform and the development in Cranmer’s thought through the reign of Henry VIII and the beginning of Edward VI’s reign leading up to the two Prayer Books.
Detailed examination of the 1549 Prayer Book confirms scholarly consensus that its theological standpoint is identical to that of 1552, the fullest and clearest liturgical expression of Cranmer’s standpoint; however there are sections in it which (along with the Order of Communion of 1548) suggest the influence of a less radical sacramental and eucharistic theology. It is suggested that the 1549 Prayer Book was originally drafted as a liturgy to accompany the King’s Book of 1543 but was hurriedly changed as Cranmer’s thought developed through 1548.
Table of Contents
1. Traditional Practice and Perceptions
2. Cranmer’s reforms to the eve of the King’s Book 3.
Cranmer’s reforms from the King’s Book to the eve of the House of Lords debate on the Eucharist, December 1548 4.
The Mature Cranmer’s theology
5. The 1549 Prayer Book
6. The 1552 Prayer Book
7. The Administration of Baptism: a Commentary on the Service
8. The Holy Communion: selective commentary
Author(s)
Gordon P Jeanes,
Revd Gordon Jeanes is an Anglican priest and has written on many aspects of worship. He was formerly Geoffrey Cuming Fellow in Liturgy in the Universtity of Durham and Lecturer in Church History in the University of Wales, Cardiff. His former publications include The Origins of the Roman Rite (1991) and Cranmer and Common Prayer in the Oxford Guide to the BCP (2006).
Reviews
"Gordon Jeanes addresses the question in a work of detailed scholarship, referenced with a breadth of reading worthy of Cranmer himself."
"Jeanes has made a persuasive case , which must be taken into account by futures writers on the subject"
17 October 2008
Raymond Chapman, Revd dr, Emeritus Professor of English in the University of London,
"Signs of God's Promise is... a resource that can be consulted with benefit by those interested in which texts are important for an understanding of Cranmer's sacramentology. Jeanes has provided readers with an authoritative outline of the key documents. After directing our attention to those key sources, he constructs the documentary development of Cranmer's thought and liturgies." James R. A. Merrick, Ecclesia Reformanda, November 2009.
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"A feast of insights, from which not only past controversies, but contemporary issues may be better understood." - Charles Sherlock Secretary of the Liturgy Commission of the Anglican Church of Australia in Journal of Anglican Studies Vol 7.2 Nov 2009
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"This is a delightful book and important book, beautifully written and carefully argued. There is no doubt that it will serve Cranmer studies and English liturgical studies for a long time to come. We are indebted to Gordon James for that providential decision to write in depth on Cranmer."
Anaphora, December 2009
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