Anglicans and The Augsburg Confession of 1530

At best, most Anglicans are only vaguely aware of the Augsburg Confession. Yet, the principles of this Lutheran Confession are embedded in the Anglican tradition. On 25 June 1530, German Lutheran princes, civic leaders, and theologians presented their confession of the Evangelical faith to Emperor Charles V and to the Diet convened at Augsburg. (This year marks the 494th anniversary of that momentous event.) The Augsburg Confession is a clear and relatively concise statement of the theological principles of the conservative Reformation in Germany. Among other points, it demonstrates respect for church tradition while also affirming basic Reformation views on Scriptural authority, justification by faith, the nature of the Church, and the importance of the two Gospel Sacraments. Although certainly reflective of its historical context in Germany, the Augsburg Confession has abiding importance as a Christian affirmation.

Both directly and indirectly, the Augsburg Confession has influenced many other formularies and theologies. Christians as diverse as John Calvin and Pope Benedict XVI have expressed admiration for its broad Christian principles. Thomas Cranmer and other English reformers were under its direct influence. From the first Book of Common Prayer onward, traditional Anglican liturgies have reflected its principles. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion originated from attempts to adapt the principles of the Augsburg Confession to the English ecclesiastical, cultural, and political situation. The general content and even the exact wording of numerous Anglican Articles reflect familiarity with the Augsburg Confession and other Lutheran works. The theological value or meaning of the English adaptations may be debated, but the influence is clear.

So, Anglicans should be more aware of and appreciative of the Augsburg Confession. Although it is not an official Anglican standard, it has had a significant influence on Anglican history, liturgy, and doctrine. The broad principles of the Augsburg Confession are embedded in the Prayer Book and the Articles, and its Scriptural principles have perennial value for Anglicans and all Christians!

Lutheran Influences in Anglicanism

Anglicanism in England and around the world has been influenced by many currents over the centuries. These influences include the ancient undivided Church, medieval and Renaissance Catholicism, several strains of Reformation Protestantism, and varied Christian influences over the centuries since the Restoration of 1660.  After years of considering church history, it seems to me that one of the most neglected influences on Anglican thought and practice is the Lutheran Reformation. Despite divergent Anglican views about the 16th-17th century reforms, history shows that there are clearly Lutheran influences upon the beliefs and practices of English Christianity.

In the early years of the English Reformation, numerous churchmen and civic leaders were influenced by Luther. Luther's example led to Bible translations by William Tyndale and Miles Coverdale. Lutheran liturgical reforms influenced Thomas Cranmer's revisions. Cranmer's first official English liturgical text was the Litany in 1544. This Litany closely followed Luther's revision of 1529.  Cranmer's later versions of the Anglican Daily Office and the Order for Holy Communion reflected several British and Continental influences, especially Lutheran ones. In addition, many daily and seasonal prayers were revised or rewritten under the influence of Reformation themes such as unearned grace and justifying faith. Although the Anglican Articles of Religion, drafted by Thomas Cranmer and later revised by Matthew Parker and Convocation, were not Lutheran (especially the disputed Article XXIX), this Anglican confession was heavily influenced by the Augsburg Confession and other Lutheran confessions. Besides Lutheran influences on Cranmer and other English Reformers, there were Lutheran tendencies in the personal ideas and practices of Elizabeth I as well as in the religious policies she supported.

Over time, direct Lutheran influence diminished in the sixteenth-century English Church, and many Anglicans were influenced by the Reformed tendencies. In addition, Anglicanism attempted to be a broad (dare we say "ecumenical"?) national body, and it was never strictly Lutheran. Nevertheless, interactions between the two traditions continued, especially during the Hanoverian monarchy. Furthermore, the Lutheran emphasis on Scripture and justification by grace through faith continued among Anglicans. Calvinist influence in England was not able to eradicate other Anglican perspectives. Many Anglicans, like Lutherans, always combined loyalty to Scriptural authority and justification by faith with continued respect for the ancient Creeds, a strong appreciation of the Sacraments, and support for liturgical worship.

To this day,  orthodox Anglicans place Scriptural authority first, emphasize grace and justification by faith, and view sanctification as a fruit of grace and faith. Although there are several other historical factors in Anglicanism, Lutheran influences are ingrained in Anglican doctrine and worship. Whether Anglicans should appreciate this Lutheran heritage can be debated, but the historic fact of Lutheran influence on Anglican doctrine and practice cannot be denied.