Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
This book examines the intellectual career of Bishop John Fisher (1469-1535), the early sixteenth-century bishop of Rochester and victim of Henry VIII's Reformation, whose numerous writings included one of the most influential refutations of Martin Luther of the century. Richard Rex places Fisher's writings in the context of the contemporary movements of Renaissance and Reformation, and offers a new account of his intellectual position and achievement. He argues that Fisher successfully combined whole-hearted receptiveness to Renaissance humanism with unshakeable commitment to the traditional teachings of the Catholic Church.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 272-283) and index.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements; Abbreviations; Preface; 1. Humanism and scholasticism in late fifteenth-century Cambridge; 2. Fisher and the Christian humanists; 3. Fisher and the Catholic campaign against Luther; 4. Authority; 5. Faith, grace and justification; 6. The inspiration and translation of scripture; 7. The controversy over Henry VIIIâs first marriage; 8. Conclusion; Appendix - John Fisherâs library; Bibliography; Index.