The Augsburg Confession: Confession of Faith by Princes & Cities to Charles the V in 1530

by Theodore G. Tappert

The standard translation of this classic document.

Genres: Theology, Christianity

64 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[wyclif · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, it seemed an ideal time to revisit the primary Lutheran confession of faith. Largely the work of Philip Melanchthon, Justus Jonas, and Johannes Bugenhagen, the 28 articles of the Confession were presented by the Lutheran princes and representatives of the "free cities" of Germany to the Diet of Augsburg and set forth what the Lutherans believed. This was done so that "in doctrine and ceremonies nothing has been received on our part against Scripture or the Church Catholic."

The Confession is divided into two parts: the "theses" or chief articles of faith (I-XXI), and the "abuses corrected" (XXII-XXVIII). Of interest to me is the fact that the English translation of the Confession is a great influence on the initial Anglican articles of faith which culminated in the Thirty-nine Articles of 1563. A great little edition of one of the most important documents of the Reformation period.

[James Ruley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This work provides a fascinating insight into key issues of the Reformation, including justification by faith alone, the sacraments, priestly celibacy, and bishops.