On Simony


Book Description

Repeatedly denounced by bishops, local synods, national councils, and popes, simony - the buying and selling of spiritual offices - had enjoyed a centuries-old existence in the church when John Wyclif penned this treatise in the late fourteenth century. The tenth in a series of twelve treatises the English reformer wrote between 1374 and 1382, On Simony forms an integral part of the writings generally considered his summa. Basing his condemnation of simony on an idiosyncratic concept of dominion developed in earlier treatises, Wyclif argues that the church, with its spiritual message and mission, has no right to temporal power or temporal goods. Viewing simony as a form of theft, the selling of spiritual things over which it has no dominion, Wyclif advocates the removal of all property from the church - by secular force, if necessary - and the abolition of ecclesiastical patronage. In the Introduction to this first-ever English translation, Professor McVeigh traces the history of simony in the church and describes the circumstances prompting Wyclif to develop his theory of dominion, showing the decisive influence of this theory on his concept of simony. A brief discussion of the treatise's influence on later reformers, both inside and outside England, follows a thorough, chapter-by-chapter analysis of the treatise itself.







History of the Christian Church & Ecclesiastical History


Book Description

The anthology 'History of the Christian Church & Ecclesiastical History' presents an unparalleled compendium of historical writings, offering readers a panoramic view of the development and impact of the Christian Church through various epochs. Comprising works that span from the apostolic age to the Reformation, the collection embodies a rich diversity of literary styles and perspectives, encapsulating significant theological, cultural, and historical developments within the Christian tradition. The inclusion of seminal pieces provides not only a testament to the profound religious fervor and doctrinal debates of the times but also illuminates the socio-political landscapes in which these ideas were fostered and contested. The contributing authors, Philip Schaff and Eusebius, stand as towering figures in the field of ecclesiastical history, bringing to the collection a depth of scholarly insight and a comprehensive approach to the historiography of Christianity. Schaff, with his magisterial grasp of church history, and Eusebius, known as the father of church history for his meticulous documentation of early Christianity, represent a synthesis of early and modern historiographical methodologies. Their collective works align with key historical and cultural movements, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of the evolution of Christian thought and its enduring influence on global history. This anthology is recommended for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Christian history. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the multiplicity of narratives and analyses that these eminent historians bring to bear on the understanding of Christianitys past, encouraging a deeper appreciation of the churchs legacy and its myriad impacts across centuries.




The Complete History of the Christian Church


Book Description

"History of the Christian Church" is an eight volume account of Christian history which covers the history of Christianity from the time of the apostles to the Reformation period. The book deals with seven periods in the history of the church: The First Period of Church History – Apostolic Christianity; The Second Period of Church History – Ante-Nicene Christianity; The Third Period of Church History – The Church in Union with the Roman Empire; The Fourth Period of Church History – The Church among the Barbarians; The Fifth Period of Church History – From Gregory VII to Boniface VIII A. D. 1049–1294; The Sixth Period of Church History – From Boniface VIII to Martin Luther ; The Seventh Period of Church History – The Reformation. The Bible is a collection of sacred texts or scriptures that Jews and Christians consider to be a product of divine inspiration and a record of the relationship between God and humans. With estimated total sales of over 5 billion copies, it is widely considered to be the most influential and best-selling book of all time. This is the "American Standard Version" (ASV) - a Bible translation into English that was completed in 1901, with the publication of the revision of the Old Testament; the revised New Testament had been released in 1900.




The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church


Book Description

Uniquely authoritative and wide-ranging in its scope, The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church is the indispensable reference work on all aspects of the Christian Church. It contains over 6,500 cross-referenced A-Z entries, and offers unrivalled coverage of all aspects of this vast and often complex subject, from theology; churches and denominations; patristic scholarship; and the bible; to the church calendar and its organization; popes; archbishops; other church leaders; saints; and mystics. In this new edition, great efforts have been made to increase and strengthen coverage of non-Anglican denominations (for example non-Western European Christianity), as well as broadening the focus on Christianity and the history of churches in areas beyond Western Europe. In particular, there have been extensive additions with regards to the Christian Church in Asia, Africa, Latin America, North America, and Australasia. Significant updates have also been included on topics such as liturgy, Canon Law, recent international developments, non-Anglican missionary activity, and the increasingly important area of moral and pastoral theology, among many others. Since its first appearance in 1957, the ODCC has established itself as an essential resource for ordinands, clergy, and members of religious orders, and an invaluable tool for academics, teachers, and students of church history and theology, as well as for the general reader.










The History of the Christian Church: Vol.1-8


Book Description

Philip Schaff's monumental work, 'The History of the Christian Church: Vol.1-8', is a comprehensive and detailed exploration of the development of Christianity from its inception to the Reformation era. Schaff delves into the theological, social, and political aspects of the church, providing a scholarly and engaging account of key events and personalities. His writing style is both accessible to a wide audience and academically rigorous, making this set of volumes a valuable resource for students and scholars alike. The detailed footnotes and bibliography also demonstrate Schaff's meticulous research and deep knowledge of the subject matter. This work is a cornerstone in the study of church history and remains a seminal text in the field. Schaff's dedication to documenting the evolution of the Christian Church is evident in this comprehensive and insightful series. Anyone interested in understanding the roots and growth of Christianity will find these volumes essential reading.




History of the Christian Church: Complete 8 Volumes Edition


Book Description

"History of the Christian Church" is an eight volume account of Christian history which covers the history of Christianity from the time of the apostles to the Reformation period. The book deals with seven periods in the history of the church: The First Period of Church History – Apostolic Christianity; The Second Period of Church History – Ante-Nicene Christianity; The Third Period of Church History – The Church in Union with the Roman Empire; The Fourth Period of Church History – The Church among the Barbarians; The Fifth Period of Church History – From Gregory VII to Boniface VIII A. D. 1049–1294; The Sixth Period of Church History – From Boniface VIII to Martin Luther ; The Seventh Period of Church History – The Reformation.