Absolution, Examined In The Light Of Primitive Practice - Softcover

Hugh Miller Thompson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0461960052 ISBN 13: 9780461960051

Publisher: HardPress, 2021

Synopsis

Absolution, Examined In The Light Of Primitive Practice by Hugh Miller Thompson presents a historical-theological study of the Anglican doctrine of absolution. Thompson argues that the Church on earth is a visible, sacramental body through which forgiveness is administered, combining outward acts with inward grace. He distinguishes two parallel forms of forgiveness: the sacramental remission granted in baptism and the ministerial, sacramental assurances conveyed through the Church’s means of grace, and the judicial absolution associated with ecclesiastical discipline, including excommunication and its restoration. Drawing on patristic writers and ancient canons, the work traces the development from public exomologesis and penitential discipline to the later Anglican practice of declaring absolution within the liturgy. He critiques Roman Catholic confessional practice and contends that early Christians asserted forgiveness through public and private means, not via a single, private formula. The volume culminates in discussions of the Declaration of Absolution and the Essence of Absolution, arguing that Anglican liturgy seeks to mirror primitive Christianity by consistently offering forgiveness through the church’s word, prayers, and sacraments while safeguarding discipline and truth.

Edition details

• Publisher: HardPress
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0461960052
• ISBN 13: 9780461960051
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112