Balthasar Hubmaier and the Clarity of Scripture

"Scholars have long understood the 'clarity of Scripture' as a hermeneutic for Reformation figures in the sixteenth century. Until now, however, no one has exhaustively studied Scripture's perspicuity in the writings of Anabaptism's greatest early theologian. Graeme Chatfield has admirably rectified this oversight with this book while adroitly placing Hubmaier in the context of his Reformation contemporaries. Accessible and readable, this book helps us better grasp Hubmaier's thinking, his influences, and his contributions to his church and to ours."

--Brian C. Brewer, Truett Seminary, Baylor University



"Chatfield's work adds to the list of recent monographs on this leader and scholar of the Reformation era. Interest in aspects of Hubmaier's theology have grown, not least because he does not fit easily with the Swiss Anabaptists. Chatfield has explored Hubmaier's approach to Scripture and comes to the persuasive conclusion that his approach is more akin to Zwingli and Luther than the Swiss Anabaptists. An excellent study that pays careful attention."

--Keith G. Jones, Rector, International Baptist Theological Seminary



"The interpretation of Scripture was a major issue in the sixteenth-century reformations, separating Roman Catholic scholars, the magisterial reformers, and the radicals. A key theologian in this debate was Balthasar Hubmaier, whose contribution, and those of his friends and opponents, is skillfully and helpfully set out in a detailed study that chronologically follows the development and progression of his thought on this central doctrine for all Christian traditions and eras. Chatfield's research is a valuable and welcome addition to scholarship."

--Anthony R. Cross, Faculty of Theology and Religion, Oxford University



''Chatfield's book makes an invaluable contribution to Hubmaier scholarship and should be considered and authoritative and definitive study of Hubmaier's hermeneutics.''

--Kirk R. Mac Gregor, Carthage College, as seen in The Mennonite Quarterly Review