Detailed Study Notes on Heinrich Bullinger and John Calvin's Theology

Introduction

  • The transcript begins with a discussion of Heinrich Bullinger, a significant figure in the Reformed tradition.

  • Bullinger was a contemporary and friend to John Calvin, who provided pastoral care to Calvin after the death of his wife.

  • Discussion emphasizes the importance of friendship and collaboration in theological discourse.

Bullinger's Influence

  • Bullinger taught in Zurich while Calvin operated in Geneva.

  • His theological ideas notably influenced the Church of England.

  • A morning prayer attributed to Bullinger is recited at the beginning of the class.

The Morning Prayer

  • Address to God: Acknowledgment of God as the eternal and merciful creator.

  • Confession: Recognition of God as the highest good and creator of all things.

  • Petition for Grace: Request for protection from sin and for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in education and daily conduct.

  • Prayer for Leaders: A call for grace upon those in authority to lead with wisdom and justice.

  • Closing: Affirmation of thankfulness through Jesus Christ.

Class Overview

  • The second class session opens with a review of the previous week's discussion on Reformed Christianity.

  • A distinction between perspectives on Reformed thought: some find it scary while others view it with curiosity.

  • Discussion reiterates the need for constant reformation within traditions.

Structure of Class Discussion

  • Focus: The development of methods in theology, particularly through Calvin's writings.

  • Three Parts:

    1. Reading and discussion of John Calvin's work, connecting it to contemporary Reformed thought.

    2. Examination of historical shifts in theological methods during the 18th century.

    3. Exploration of Friedrich Schleiermacher as a pivotal figure in modern theology.

John Calvin's Theology

  • For Calvin, the knowledge of God is a gift generated by the Holy Spirit.

  • He posits an epistemology of the Holy Spirit: this is how one comes to know God.

  • Key assertion: "You know God by God" emphasizes revelation through direct experience.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

  • The Holy Spirit is the agent of regeneration and is crucial for understanding the Bible's authority.

  • Calvin asserts the Bible's authority does not rely on historical or literary criticism but on the Spirit's testimony.

  • Significance: This marks a shift away from apologetic proofs outside of the biblical text itself.

Authority and Scripture

  • Calvin emphasizes the Bible's clarity, suggesting it must be read in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit.

  • He makes clear that the Church recognizes the Bible's authority rather than conferring it.

  • Notably, the church does not authorize the Bible; it recognizes its inherent authority through the Holy Spirit's work.

The Church's Role in Scripture Recognition

  • Calvin critiques the Catholic understanding that the Church determines scripture; rather, he asserts that the Church discerns God's voice present in the scripture.

  • This is contrasted with the Reformed understanding that asserts recognition, not authorization.

Discussion on Historical Context

  • Calvin's reformed thought arose from the clash with Catholic norms, particularly during the Council of Trent (1560s).

  • The 'epistemology of the Holy Spirit' influences other theological currents, including the elasticity seen in later theologians like Karl Barth.

Predestination and Its Implications

  • Inquiry into Calvin's view on predestination and its contention in later theology.

  • Barth's critique over Calvin's stringent perspective on predestination aligns with a more inclusive understanding of divine grace presented through Jesus.

Transition to Schleiermacher

  • Schleiermacher becomes a significant figure in shifting theological perspectives in the 19th century.

  • He is characterized by his integration of romanticism into theological discourse, emphasizing experiential knowledge over intellectual ascent.

Schleiermacher's Contributions

  • Central thesis: Religion understood as the feeling of absolute dependence on God.

  • His legacy rests on reconfiguring Christianity to resonate with contemporary societal views, particularly through emphasizing emotional experience.

Conclusion of Class

  • The broader implications of Schleiermacher's work and its criticism by conservative theologians, including Barth, who fear a dilution of doctrinal specificity.

  • Recognition of the ongoing tension between experience and doctrinal fidelity in Christian theology.

  • Emphasis on the contextual relevance of theology as a response to contemporary culture, particularly in a postmodern landscape.

Final Remarks

  • Class will conclude with assignment discussions regarding readings on historical theological shifts and implications for current practice and doctrine in Reformed Christianity.