PHILIP MELANCHTHON’S INFLUENCE ON ENGLISH THEOLOGICAL THOUGHT DURING THE EARLY ENGLISH REFORMATION By Anja-Leena Laitakari-Pyykkö A dissertation submitted In partial fulfillment of the requirements For the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology University of Helsinki Faculty of Theology August 2013 Copyright © 2013 by Anja-Leena Laitakari-Pyykkö To the memory of my beloved husband, Tauno Pyykkö ii Abstract Philip Melanchthon’s Influence on English Theological Thought during the Early English Reformation By Anja-Leena Laitakari-Pyykkö This study addresses the theological contribution to the English Reformation of Martin Luther’s friend and associate, Philip Melanchthon. The research conveys Melanchthon’s mediating influence in disputes between Reformation churches, in particular between the German churches and King Henry VIII from 1534 to 1539. The political background to those events is presented in detail, so that Melanchthon’s place in this history can be better understood. This is not a study of Melanchthon’s overall theology. In this work, I have shown how the Saxons and the conservative and reform-minded English considered matters of conscience and adiaphora. I explore the German and English unification discussions throughout the negotiations delineated in this dissertation, and what they respectively believed about the Church’s authority over these matters during a tumultuous time in European history. The main focus of this work is adiaphora, or those human traditions and rites that are not necessary to salvation, as noted in Melanchthon’s Confessio Augustana of 1530, which was translated into English during the Anglo-Lutheran negotiations in 1536. Melanchthon concluded that only rituals divided the Roman Church and the Protestants. The five adiaphora issues are the disputed articles on the power of the bishops, the marriage or celibacy of priests, monastic vows, the Mass, and communion in both kinds in the Lord’s Supper—and to which he made a significant contribution. Melanchthon regarded these five as adiaphora (from the Greek “indifferent things”)—that is, as matters that were not essential to faith or salvation. Although English theologians never used the word adiaphora, they were familiar with the concept, as will be demonstrated in the historical presentation. These issues are examined within the framework of Scripture and Tradition and the doctrine of justification by faith. The idea of the Scriptures as divine mandate changed the concept of authority in matters of doctrine and practice. From the perspective of both the German Reformers and the reform-minded clergy in England, justification by faith belonged to Scripture and was necessary for salvation. For them, the remainder of Church law (adiaphora), such as ecclesiastical policies, had become secular issues and were not of divine authority. Whereas the Wittenberg Articles were intended as an agreement between the Germans and the English, they did not produce what was hoped for on adiaphora matters, so that the parties could formulate a practice they could defend against the pope’s General Council. They did agree on what was iii necessary for salvation. The disputed articles in which adiaphora was a question were left open for further negotiations. The method employed in this study is historical-genetic; that is, the chapters are arranged in chronological order, and Melanchthon’s contribution to the English Reformation is viewed in the historical context in which the documents were produced. The chapters begin with the supremacy crisis in England (1534) and end with the Act of Six Articles (1539). Chapters Three, Five, Six, and Twelve are divided into two parts—the first is a historical account, while the second delineates the documents produced during the negotiations. In other chapters, the author presents the negotiations and their historical background. The doctrine of justification by faith is essential in relation to adiaphora for evaluating Melanchthon’s position in his negotiations with the German and English theologians, during the discussions between Catholics and Protestants, in the Anglo-Lutheran negotiations, and within the English Church in the documents produced: the Advice of 1534, the Wittenberg Articles of 1536, the Ten Articles of 1536, the Bishops’ Book of 1537, the Thirteen Articles of 1538, and the Six Articles of 1539. The major discussion involves Melanchthon’s writing of the Loci Communes of 1535 as a doctrinal basis for the unification talks. The Confessio Augustana and the Apologia were translated into English. This is important because many of Melanchthon’s concepts acquired somewhat different interpretations as they were translated from Latin into English. The differences in the two texts will be compared to find the degree to which Melanchthon’s confessional writings were accepted in England and used by the English Reformers. iv Acknowledgments My interest in Melanchthon started in high school and I would like to acknowledge the education I received from my teacher, Rev. Holger Pohjolan-Pirhonen on church history; the late professor Matti Lauerma on history; and my beloved English teacher, the late Ms. Raina Paimenvuori, who held high standards in the English language. I learnt tolerance and humanistic pursuits from my godparents, the late Professor and Mrs. Erkki Laitakari, who influenced me more than anyone in Christian life with their encouragement and prayers during my formative years. I owe a debt of appreciation to the late professor Kauko Pirinen, for his vision in including the English Reformation in the curriculum, and his encouragement to pursue the study of early English Reformation documents. Professor Simo Heininen encouraged me to look into Philip Melanchthon’s connection to the English Reformation, and referred me to the University of California History Department. I am also indebted to Professor Kaarlo Arffman for his valuable support and kind advice on research questions relating to Melanchthon. I am grateful for the grant awarded by the University of Helsinki to complete the research. I truly thank the history department of the University of California, Berkeley, for allowing me time to pursue my research. I especially wish to extend my appreciation to Professor Barnes and Professor Brady, who have supported me through the years and advised me at various stages of my study. I am grateful to the library staff of the University of California, especially Dr. Michaelyn Burnette for her advice and encouragement. It has been an enriching experience to continue as research associate at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. I am also grateful to the graduate division for extending my research privileges until completion, and appreciate the support of Dr. Arthur G. Holder, Dean and Vice-President of Academic Affairs. My discussions with Professor Michael Aune and Professor Rebecca Lyman about Melanchthon and the English Reformation have been enlightening. I am thankful to the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, especially the late Dr. Hess, who helped me to understand Thomas Aquinas’s works and how they influenced Melanchthon and the Reformation. I would like to acknowledge the staff at the Graduate Theological Union Library—Mr. Robert Benedetto, MA, Library Director, Mr. David Stiver, MA, and Ms. Mary Mead, MA, and the reference librarians for their generous assistance in finding manuscripts and sources for my study. My linguistic training in England by the late Dr. John Karlik and his wife Mrs. Jillian Karlik has been invaluable. The late Dr. F. A. Hudson gave me insight into church life and English theological culture. I would like to thank my beloved parents, the late Lauri and Aili Laitakari, whose contribution has been immense. Their grace, love, and care will always be part of my work, as well as the love of my sisters and brothers who have graciously supported me. I am very grateful for the personal support of Dr. Kyllikki Tiensuu and her dear husband, Mr. Jari Lampinen, in keeping me connected to Finland through the years, and for their visits to Berkeley. I would like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Inkeri Lappalainen, MA, for her faithful assistance. My numerous friends in California and Finland have graciously and v unselfishly supported and encouraged me through the challenges of many long and arduous years. My humble adoration to Christ during this beautiful summer season in Berkeley, California. vi Table of Contents Abstract .......................................................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................... v List of Abbreviations .................................................................................................................... xiii Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: The Crisis of Supremacy ............................................................................................. 43 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 43 Consolidation of Authority ...................................................................................................... 43 The New Parliamentary Laws ................................................................................................