Luther's English Connection: The Reformation Thought of Robert Barnes and William Tyndale

by James Edward McGoldrick

McGoldrick, James Edward

232 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1979

Reviews

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently written treatise arguing for Luther's personal influence on the early English Reformation under Henry VIII. McGoldrick's aim is to convince the reader that, rather than being pure Erasmian humanists, early English Reformers Robert Barnes and William Tyndale were decidedly Lutheran in their theology and practice, and directly influenced by Luther. McGoldrick (a personal friend and professor of mine) is a wonderful writer who has a firm grasp of prose and writes beautiful, succinct statements. Thus, the writing in this book is top notch.
There are a few quibbles here and there with the book; some are incidental to the main thesis. Most of those were minor historical things such as calling Duns Scotus an Englishman when he was a Scotsman or a few dates that were misplaced or ambiguous. As I said, they're really minor and do not change the arguments at all. The other reason is that McGoldrick consistently paints "Scholasticism" as the enemy of the Reformers without defining what he means by the term. He uses the terms Schoolmen and Scholastics, but does not define what he means. Does he mean the Scholastic methodology such as utilized later on by Francis Turretin? Does he mean the works of Ockham, Aquinas, and Scotus (most likely)? Or the entirety of the medieval theological tradition including Anselm and Abelard? It's no secret that this reviewer has a deep admiration for Scholasticism, therefore, I admit my bias! But, one cannot simply group all of the medieval, and later Reformed traditions, as "Scholastic," in a decidedly negative sense without further introspection.
All in all, a great book with a firmly convincing thesis statement! Would highly recommend for anyone interested in the early English Reformation, the links between Luther and that time period in England, and the history behind the English Reformation.

[Cilas Menezes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. McGoldrick received from the Lord a very gifted hand to write compelling, simple and involving prose. That is the second book I read from this author, and his style is so clear that it makes such a specific topic an exciting reading for anyone interested in the subject.

His expertise in Luther aligned with his well-rounded knowledge of European historical developments connects both Lutheran theological writings with a myriad of events in Europe during the 16th century and beyond.

Primarily, the author aims to demonstrate that Luther had such an influence on the theological thought of the early English reformers in general, and of Tyndall and Barnes in particular that one may confidently assert that Luther was a mentor to these men.

Go for it!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent treatment.

[Zack · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this brief monograph, Dr. James McGoldrick masterfully and convincingly defends the thesis that Martin Luther’s influence on the theology of early English reformers Robert Barnes and William Tyndale is significant enough to warrant identifying Luther as a mentor or tutor to the Englishmen in question. Though primarily a monograph of intellectual history, McGoldrick’s book gives a thrilling account of political/diplomatic intrigue, ecclesiastical realignment, and how the Renaissance and Reformation interfaced with more revolutionary movements in the sixteenth century. With clear, direct, and compelling prose, McGoldrick lays out the context for the theological substance of the early English Reformation by demonstrating the connection to Martin Luther at the back of it all.

[Jonathan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clear introduction to the Reformation as a whole through the window of Luther, Barnes, and Tyndale.