Lecture Notes: Charismata in the Medieval and Reformation Era

Overview

• Discussion on the charismata (spiritual gifts) in the medieval church and the Reformation.
• Exploration of the cessationist thesis in two historical contexts:
  1. Medieval period due to the rise of superstition and corruption in the Roman Catholic Church.
  2. Protestant Reformation with the cessationist theology of Luther and Calvin.

Charismata in the Medieval Church

• Cessationist Thesis: Spiritual gifts ceased in the medieval period due to superstitions and corruption.
• Counter-Argument: Figures like Benedict and Francis believed miracles continued.
• Numerous miracle stories, despite potential embellishments, indicate ongoing charismata.

Charismata during the Reformation

Cessationist Thesis

• Argument: Charismata ceased with the Protestant Reformation due to cessationist theology.
• Proposed by some charismatics and Catholics claiming Protestants as outliers post-Reformation.
• Notable cessationist writings are predominantly from Protestant thinkers.

Martin Luther's Perspective

• Context: Luther was a product of a superstitious and corrupt medieval Catholic upbringing.
  • Reactionary against church corruption, misuse of relics, and saints' cults.
• Theological Views:
  • Emphasis on the priesthood of all believers.
  • Holy Spirit's work is seen through changing lives rather than physical miracles.
  • Argued for the power of preaching and sacraments over signs and wonders.

Luther's Charismatic Practices

• Beliefs and Actions:
  • Acknowledged the continued presence of prophecy and visions, albeit less than apostolic times.
  • Practiced healing prayer and believed in the laying on of hands.
  • Retained the rite of exorcism in Lutheran practice, combined with baptism.
• Examples:
  • Healings through prayer, e.g., Frederick Myconius' recovery after Luther's letter.
  • Encouraged the practice of healing prayers as per James 5.

Radical Reformation and Anabaptists

• Characteristics:
  • More open to direct revelations and prophetic gifts.
  • Flattened hierarchy, contrasting Luther's structured approach.

Quakers

• Practices:
  • Strong views on the priesthood of all believers.
  • Conducted silent worship, waiting for the Holy Spirit's direction.
  • Avoided church hierarchy, emphasized individual access to the Spirit.
• Legacy: Continuation of charismatic practices within Protestantism.

Catholic Continuity

• Missionary Work: Continued presence of miracles and missionary efforts during the Reformation.
• Blaise Pascal's Miracle:
  • His niece's healing with a relic of the crown of thorns showcases ongoing miracles.
  • Example of empirical verification of a miracle, challenging cessationist perspectives.

Conclusion

• Reformation figures like Luther were not as cessationist as often presumed.
• Continuity of charismata in both Protestant and Catholic traditions during the Reformation.
• Encouragement to remain open to the Holy Spirit's work beyond theological boundaries.

Closing Prayer

• Emphasizing openness to the Holy Spirit's work in contemporary times, seeking supernatural power and expectation.