Concerning the True Care of Souls

With an Historical Introduction by David F. Wright.First
time ever available in English, this 'Reformation handbook of pastoral theology
... sets out in a vivid and persuasive way, biblical principles for church
life, ministry, and discipline.'For more than twenty-five years Martin
Bucer was the undisputed leader of the Protestant Reformation in the city of
Strasbourg. Yet he never managed to achieve all that he wished due to the
opposition of the city's political leaders. In 1548 he moved at the invitation
of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer to England, where he spent the last few years of
his life as Regius Professor of Divinity at Cambridge.Ten years earlier,
in 1538, Bucer produced what he called 'this little book'. A Reformation
handbook of pastoral theology, it sets out his ideal of a godly Christian
society, and was 'written solely for the Lord's glory and the improvement of
his church at this time when Christ's sheep are so deplorably scattered'. He
commended it 'to the Christian consideration of all God's children, asking only
that nothing should be judged according to carnal standards, but everything
according to the word of the Lord.' And added, 'May the Lord grant that it will
be of much use for his kingdom.' Although largely rejected by the government of
Strasbourg, Bucer's Concerning the True Care of Souls met with much more
success further afield and was to exercise a vast influence in later history.
In Hesse, for example, a church order was introduced based on Bucer's ideas,
and in Strasbourg itself they were implemented in the French refugee community
pastured from 1538 to 1541 by the young John Calvin, who had a great respect
for Bucer and worked closely with him.Nearly 500 years later we can
still benefit greatly from Bucer's spiritual wisdom as he sets out, in a vivid
and persuasive way, biblical principles for church life, ministry, and
discipline. Translated into English for the very first time through the labours
of Peter Beale, the publishers send it forth, reechoing Bucer's prayer: 'May
the Lord grant that it will be of much use for his kingdom.''This is
the the pastoral theology that John Calvin implemented in his own pastorate in
Strasbourg, from 1538 to 1541. Nearly 500 years later we can still benefit
greatly from Bucer's spiritual wisdom as he sets out, in a vivid and persuasive
way, biblical principles for church life, ministry, and discipline. Never
before available in English, until now!' - Steve BurlewTranslator:
Peter Beale.Recommended € 23,90