Surveys of the Reformation era typically provide readers with a broadly framed discussion of the Lord's Supper and the respective positions taken by the major figures involved--Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Ulrich Zwingli--with regard to Christ's presence in the bread and wine. These more narrowly focused essays by Thomas Davis, however, bring a helpful sense of context to the discussion with an examination of important details that are often overlooked.

Davis devotes several chapters to Luther and to Calvin, examining the development of their eucharistic theology and its relation to their broader understanding of the presence of Christ in the community of faith. His study is particularly insightful with regard to the Reformers' use of language and their concept of how "signs" work. The final two chapters expand his study to include other figures of the Reformation era.Scholars interested in historical theology will find in these well-researched essays a wealth of material to consider. General readers of church history will also find Davis's work accessible and a useful guide to the development of the Reformers' understanding of the presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper and the church.

Author

Thomas J. Davis (PhD, University of Chicago) is professor of religious studies at Indiana University-Purdue University, Indianapolis. He is the author of six books, including The Clearest Promises of God: The Development of Calvin's Eucharistic Teaching, and has produced dozens of scholarly articles and presentations.

Endorsements

"The topic of this book has often been dealt with and yet Davis comes with new insights and a balanced position to convey the sacramental issue of the sixteenth century in a very accessible style. Dr. Davis has with this book done a great service to both the scholarly world and the church." - Herman J. Selderhuis, director of the Institute for Reformation Research, Apeldoorn