Rome: Examined, Part 1 is ready!
CONTENTS:
Introduction
Foreword
Chapter 1: Holy Scripture
Chapter 2: Tradition
Chapter 3: Original Sin
Chapter 4: Original Sin After Baptism (Concupiscence)
Chapter 5: The Immaculate Conception
Chapter 6: The Works of the Unregenerate
Chapter 7: Free Will
Chapter 8: Justification
Chapter 9: Faith
Chapter 10: Good Works
Endnotes
From the Introduction:
Introduction
Dive into the heart of the Reformation’s theological battleground with Martin Chemnitz’s Examination of the Council of Trent, a masterful critique that challenges the Catholic Church’s decrees with unparalleled scriptural rigor.
This abridged translation unveils a pivotal work that shaped Protestant thought and remains a beacon for understanding the clash of faith and doctrine in the 16th century.
Martin Chemnitz (1522–1586), often hailed as the “Second Martin” for his pivotal role in consolidating Lutheran theology after Martin Luther’s death, was a German theologian, reformer, and superintendent in Braunschweig. Educated under Luther and Melanchthon at Wittenberg, he authored key works like the Formula of Concord (1577), which unified Lutheran doctrine amid internal disputes.
The Council of Trent (1545–1563), convened by the Roman Catholic Church in response to the Protestant Reformation, was a landmark ecumenical council that clarified Catholic teachings on Scripture, tradition, original sin, justification, sacraments, and other doctrines, issuing decrees and canons to counter Reformation critiques.
Chemnitz’s Examen Concilii Tridentini (Examination of the Council of Trent), published in Latin between 1565 and 1573, is a thorough, four-volume Lutheran critique of Trent’s decrees, systematically analyzing them against Scripture and early church fathers to defend Reformation principles.
This edition presents an English translation of an 1884 German abridgement, prepared by R. Benedixen with assistance from Christoph Ernst Luthardt, focusing on Part One of Chemnitz’s work. It condenses the original while preserving its core arguments, making this seminal text accessible for modern readers studying the Reformation’s theological divides.
This abridged translation of Martin Chemnitz’s Examination of the Council of Trent is a treasure for scholars, theologians, and students of Reformation history, offering a concise yet incisive look into one of the most significant theological critiques of the 16th century. Chemnitz’s rigorous engagement with the Council of Trent’s decrees showcases his profound scriptural knowledge and unwavering commitment to Lutheran doctrine, making this work a cornerstone of Protestant apologetics. By dissecting Trent’s positions on Scripture, tradition, justification, and more, Chemnitz not only defends the Reformation’s core tenets but also provides a timeless model of theological precision and fidelity to biblical authority. This accessible rendering by Benedixen and Luthardt ensures that Chemnitz’s intellectual legacy continues to illuminate the enduring debates over faith, grace, and ecclesiastical authority.
Javier Perdomo has added extensive footnotes with quotations from the Church Fathers, making this volume an indispensable part of every theological library.
Here it is, totally free:
Many thanks to all those involved in this project, may God bless you