From the Dean's Desk
Transformation of the believer
Thomas Cranmer was no saint but we would do well to follow his example, writes Richard Humphrey.
Recently I spoke on the spirituality of Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and architect of the English Reformation and the Book of Common Prayer in the 16th Century.
It was quite a challenge, not only because of the amount of research I needed to do, but because I am not sure what Cranmer would have made of the idea of spirituality.
Focusing particularly on the period of Edward II's reign (1547—53) when Cranmer was at the height of his power and influence with the publication of the Book of Homilies, the Book of Common Prayer (versions) and the 42 Articles, two factors stand out for me that mark his understanding of the Christian Faith.
Firstly the priority of the Scriptures.
The Articles (6 & 20) clearly show that it was the source of authority in Church. But it was more than a set of truths to be assented to, it was the means of transformation of the believer.
In the First Homily A Fruitful exhortation unto the reading and knowledge of Holy Scripture Cranmer wrote,
'… And there is nothing that so much strengtheneth our faith and trust in God that so much keepeth up innocency and pureness of the heart and also of outward godly life and conversation, as continual reading and recording of God’s word. For that thing, which by continual reading of holy scripture and diligent searching of the same is deeply printed and graven in the heart, at length turneth almost into nature.'
It is for this reason that his services were full of Scripture readings, God’s people were to listen to his word and find themselves transformed.
Secondly the priority of Faith.
What saved us was faith in what Jesus had done for us on the cross, not our works (See Homily 3 Of Salvation). This lead to a rejection of medieval acts of religious devotion and long debates about the meaning of communion.
But this idea of faith was not simply about sterile theological definitions but it was to be a lively faith.
In the Fourth Homily (Of Faith) he wrote 'a true faith cannot be kept secret, but when occasioned is offered it will break out and show itself in good works.'
In his conclusion he said,
'Therefore, as ye profess the name of Christ, good Christian people, let no such fantasy and imagination of faith at any time beguile you; but be sure of your faith, try it by your living, look upon the fruits that come of it, mark the increase of love and charity by it towards God and your neighbour, and so shall ye perceive it to be a true and lively faith.'
Bible reading and faith for Cranmer both had the same end, transformation of the believer and of growth of assurances of God’s promises.
All of this is captured in his wonderful collect for the Second Sunday in Advent.
'Blessed lord, which hast caused all holy Scriptures to bee written for our learnyng; graunte us that we maye in suche wise heare them, read, marke, learne, and inwardly digeste them; that by pacience, and coumfort of thy holy woorde, we may embrace, and ever holde fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast geven us in our saviour Jesus Christe.'
My reading has given me a higher regard for Cranmer, particularly that, whilst being no saint, he seemed to live this out by his manner of life, and ultimately through many trials did hold fast to that faith. May we follow his example.
God bless,
Richard Humphrey