Steve Chin
University of South Africa, Theology> Church History, Graduate Student
In this study, a re-examination of the early Reformers will reveal that their political con-texts greatly affected the outcomes of their theological struggles, mostly causing those Magisterial Reformers who accommodated and collaborated... more
In this study, a re-examination of the early Reformers will reveal that their political con-texts greatly affected the outcomes of their theological struggles, mostly causing those Magisterial Reformers who accommodated and collaborated symbiotically with their polit-ical partners, to thrive. In short, ideology without ample political muscle has invariably been relegated to the footnotes of history, whereas theology, supported by political pat-ronage, has come to define Reformation historiography. This finding is important in the ongoing ecumenical conversation, as far as all sides have realised that their confessional foundations are perhaps products of their historico-political contexts, thereby removing any entrenched personal grandiosity, to make room for pragmatic humility as part of a constructive dialogue.
