Open the aperture and read backwards: Primary (but often overlooked) sources of theology from the Reformations

Here is a link to my article by this title over at The Presbyterian Outlook.

Kindle version is live

Kindle edition of the German reprint is up

RE: Oecolampadius, see also ...

There are very few works in English about Oecolampadius, and even fewer by him, but here are the most recent in this burgeoning area of long overdue research:

       

Do we really need another biography of Calvin?

Behind this book, but never quite stated, is the strong hunch that, insofar as preaching is learned more by imitation than by direct instruction, Calvin the expository preacher basically learned to preach in Basel. More specifically, one can argue — in part from silence, more likely by process of elimination, and most convincingly by virtue of the Reformation Ordinance of 1529 being in effect in Basel for six years when Calvin was there writing his first edition of the Institutes — that it was from the pulpits of Basel Calvin heard the preaching that would form him, that he would come to imitate, and of which he would become the premiere practitioner. Put another way: where else in all his travels in cognito after the disastrous sermon he wrote for Nicholas Cop (which Karl Barth says is obviously Calvin's and which attempts and fails, like many a student sermon, to say everything all at once), did he hear regular expository preaching sufficient to form him as a preacher? As I see it, that is the missing link in all the biographies of Calvin, and I've lost count of how many there are.

Meanwhile, if we study (from the other end) the rise of Oecolampadius and the reformation of preaching in Basel that he represents; i.e., that he modeled and practiced, and that Basel eventually prescribed, we can likewise make the case that, despite the gradual pace of the progress of Basel's reforms and the variety of approaches to preaching Oecolampadius used in the eight years between 1523 and his death in 1531, the model for the expository preaching that Calvin heard in Basel, almost regardless of where he worshipped from Sunday to Sunday, was that of Oecolampadius and (at its root) this very sermon series, the first complete biblical exposition to survive from the Swiss Reformation.

The hypothesis (or hunch) in a nutshell: By a providential and inspired trail of influence, the spark of simple exposition leaped from the 4th c. preacher John Chrysostom to his translator Oecolampadius, igniting the "house lamp" of the Reformation; through him it spread to the ministers of Basel, caught hold of Calvin by way of their preaching, and through Calvin it reached the world. This hypothesis is admittedly simplistic and in some respects all too "linear," for it makes no mention of Zwingli, Capito, Bucer, Farel, et al., but it (at very least) recognizes and states the obvious point that few Calvin devotees care to admit: that Calvin did not invent or adopt his approach ex nihilo or even from the mere advice of certain other reformers; it also fills most plausibly the influence gap, the yawning silence of the first Basel period, acknowledging the company of preachers (Myconius, Karlstadt, Wissenberg, et al.) through whose sermons the Spirit most likely formed Calvin as a preacher, those who shared and modeled for him the calling to teach the Scriptures from the pulpit clearly, methodically, comprehensively. I also recognize that many members of this company were also newly arrived when Calvin came, many perhaps did not hear Oecolampadius himself in the pulpit, but they came committed to the program of biblical exposition that he, more than any other individual, (re)established.

To preach and teach the Scriptures comprehensively. That, in many ways, is all that Year D aspires to do. At a minimum, I hope the sermons of the Reformer of Basel can now help preachers when the lectionary, or when Year D, turns to 1John, the epistle of which I think, at this juncture in history, the church stands in greatest need. Better still, I hope preachers will take up the task of preaching through the letter faithfully and thoroughly, verse-by-verse. Perhaps some pastors and educators will see in these sermons a worthwhile (adult or young adult) Bible study that can fill half a program year, or a new member program that, along the lines of Alpha, lays out a course in basic Christianity. No doubt something like this is what Oecolampadius had in mind when he offered the fruit of his labor to a young Christian and described it as "a handbook for the Christian life." Perhaps some hearty souls will see in this nightly Advent series a rich devotional their congregations can enjoy this December. However they are used, whoever reads them, and wherever they now make they way in the world, may Oecolampadius' Sermons on the First Epistle of John once again — as they did nearly 500 years ago — serve to strengthen and confirm readers in their faith in Christ, breathe new life into the church, and, above all, give glory to God.

Now live on Amazon, finally, after nearly 500 years ...

A genuinely fresh angle on the Reformation

The reader of The Year D Project website — there is likely good reason to use the singular — may wonder at the long period of recent inactivity since the last post in February. That post announced the publication (with corrections) of a short biography of Oecolampadius, which itself promised the forthcoming translation of the Reformer's sermon series on the First Epistle of John (from Advent 1523). I left the website parked at that juncture, at the risk of being towed, in order to focus on fulfilling that promise. With everyone casting about for a fresh angle on the Reformation, the 500th anniversary of which will be widely observed next month, by the grace of God, this is my take. If anyone can find a better one, I would like to know whose it is and what it is. 

Meanwhile, here is the write-up from the back cover. 

"Perhaps the most consequential series on 1John ever preached and one of the earliest examples of a complete expository series from the Swiss Reformation, these sermons mark Oecolampadius’ arrival as the leading voice of the evangelical movement in Basel. As Ernst Staehelin noted, here in the 1John series the Reformer “for the first time organizes the reformatory message in a comprehensive manner.” Preached over the course of twenty-one consecutive evenings in Basel’s St. Martin’s Church in December of 1523, this popular Advent series ran through six print editions in two years. More than any single series, it set the standard for Basel’s program of lectio continua preaching which, with allowance made for the main feasts of the Christian year, became the norm for the Sunday service as well. In these sermons, modeled after the Reformer’s important translations of Chrysostom and delivered concurrently with his famous lectures on Isaiah, he explains the pressing doctrines the congregation asked him to address: Are we indeed justified by faith, and if so, then what is the role of works in the Christian life? In response, Oecolampadius provides, among other things, a biblically rich and theologically lucid Johannine complement to Luther’s labors on the Pauline doctrine of justification and a strong claim, ringing even in the final sentence, that the presence of Christ issues in works of love. Anyone seeking a fresh perspective on the preaching of the Reformation, an understanding of the chief homiletical corrective of the age, a clear articulation of basic Christian doctrine and the ordo salutis, or even (in the words of the Reformer himself) “an enchiridion for the Christian life,” will find fresh and ample inspiration in this vital but forgotten classic which, after 500 years, appears here in English for the first time."

John Oecolampadius: The Reformer of Basel (published with corrections)

I first published my translation of this short 19th c. biography of John Oecolampadius last June. After finding several typos, it has now been reissued with corrections.

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time*

Job 33:1-33

Psalm 34:11-18

Matthew 12:1-21 OR Mark 3:7-19 OR Luke 6:1-16

Hebrews 12:(1-3) 4-17


INVOCATION [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Praise be to you, O Lord of the Sabbath, for you have made the Sabbath for our sake, taking in to account our need for refreshment, renewal, and rest! Yet you have also called us to be disciplined, and you discipline those whom you love, and chastise every child whom you accept. Thank you, LORD, that even your discipline, though it may seem painful rather than pleasant at the time, is a sign of your love and acceptance. Therefore, come! Receive our praise and teach us! Grant each of us a teachable spirit, not concerning ourselves, for the moment, with what our neighbors need to hear, but listening to your voice speaking to our own particular need. Instruct and inspire us, correct and admonish us, that we may share in your holiness, and trust in the knowledge that you only ever discipline us for our good.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Job 32:1-22

Psalm 89:5-18; 38-52

Hebrews 11:(1-3) 4-7, 17-28 (39-40)

Luke 5:27-39

CALL TO WORSHIP [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]                                

Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,

your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!

            For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?

            Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD?

The LORD is a God feared in the council of the holy ones,

great and awesome above all that are around him!

            O LORD God of hosts, who is as mighty as you?

            Your faithfulness, O LORD, surrounds you!

Happy are the people who know the festal shout,

who walk, O LORD, in the light of your countenance!

            Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and Amen.

Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 26:7-27:1 

Psalm 109

Hebrews 10:1-4, 10-14, 26-39

Matthew 8:1-4; 9:1-8 OR Luke 5:12-26

ASSURANCE OF PARDON [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Hear the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has come with authority to forgive sins, and with power to perform miracles so as to confirm the good news of forgiveness: In a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay; and those who have been made righteous in him will live by faith. Therefore, have faith. Let nothing cause you to shrink back and so be lost, but have confidence in God, and stand firm among those who share faith in the Lord and so are saved. For in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

Baptism of the Lord/First Sunday in Ordinary Time

Leviticus 16:1-34

Psalm 69

Matthew 14:1-12

Hebrews 9:1-28
                                  

OPENING PRAYER [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Lord God of Hosts, in whose beloved Son Jesus Christ we are joined together through the one baptism, begun in the Jordan and completed on the cross, draw near and refresh us with your presence, restore us to the joy of your salvation, for our prayer is to you alone, O Lord. May this be an acceptable time, O God, for you speak to us and answer us in the abundance of your steadfast love, for though we are yours through the waters of regeneration, yet there remain many forces in this world that threaten to overwhelm and swallow us up. Do not hide your face from your servants in distress, but reveal yourself and make haste to answer us; with your faithful help rescue us from sinking in the mire of this dying world. Draw near and redeem your people; set us free from every enemy, every entrapment, every temptation, and every snare. Deliver us from the deep waters into the new life that Christ alone offers us, who is at once the Lamb of God and the High Priest of the new and better and everlasting covenant. This we ask in Jesus’ name. 

Epiphany (January 6)

Deuteronomy 4:9-24 (25-31) 32-40                    

Psalm 75 OR Psalm 76

1John 2:3-29

John 5:31-47

ASSURANCE OF PARDON [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

Let the Word that you have heard from the beginning abide in you! For this is the good news: If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you will abide in the Son and in the Father. As the word of God abides in you, your sins are forgiven on account of his name, and you have overcome the evil one. Therefore, receive the Spirit of the Lord, who has promised you eternal life. Know that you are forgiven and be at peace. 

The First Sunday of Christmas

Genesis 14:1-24

Psalm 110

Matthew 8:14-34 OR Mark 5:1-20

Hebrews 7:1-28

     

PRAYER OF CONFESSION [from GREATER ATTENTION: LERW, YEAR D]

O Christ our Savior, yours in the power of an indestructible life! Yet we are mortal, compromised by sin, easily distracted from you, easily attracted by and accommodated to the surrounding culture. Saving Lord, save us from ourselves, and from every sinful thing that would come between us and you. Cut off every path of retreat from you, that as you draw us to yourself, we would not draw back, but lean forward into your presence, enter your rest, and learn to enjoy eternal fellowship with you, our true King of Peace, our true King of Righteousness!