Uh, where did you say you came from?

Theology on Tap

One of the few things most people know about the Anglican Reformation, if they know anything, is that Henry VIII had a large hand in it because of his desire for a divorce (technically and annulment, but let's call it what it was). Now, that is not exactly the kind of spiritual heritage you want to point to. I much prefer to remind people of the theologians that took advantage of Henry's power struggle with the Pope in order to bring Reformation doctrine to the English Church. I much prefer to point to men like "Little" Thomas Bilney who invested themselves in debating the doctrines at stake at the White Horse Inn in Cambridge. Pub debates, that is what the Lord used to win many of the academics and clergy in the Church of England! That is a fact that I prefer to underscore. That's much more respectable than Henry's actions. But joking aside, it is no understatement to say that the Whitehorse Tavern may have been the real epicenter for the English Reformation. While London was where King and Parliament moved the political pieces to actually separate England from the Roman Church, the theology discussed in Cambridge moved the heart and mind of the Church to embrace Reformation teaching.

And since I mention him, a quick word of introduction to Little Bilney. He was, as I mentioned, a Cambridge Scholar. His story of conversion is strong testimony to the sheer power of the Word of God. Bilney, like so many of his contemporaries was born and raised in the Church, attended Cambridge and was ordained a priest. When Erasmus' new translation of the New Testament came out Bilney excitedly snatched up one of the first copies available in England. He would later note that, to his great shame he was drawn to the text because of the beauty of Erasmus' translated prose more than because it was the Word of God. Nevertheless, as he read the words of St. Paul it was as if they came alive to him and he understood the reality of the gospel for the first time. Bilney was transformed from an indifferent scholar to a fiery zealot for the sake of the gospel. He would challenge all comers in debate and use all means necessary to gain a hearing for the words of life. Once, when a particularly staunch Catholic opponent would not listen to his arguments, Bilney made an appointment to go to the man for Confession. This opponent, hopeful that Bilney was coming to confess his waywardness in teaching these new doctrines that were contrary to the teaching of Rome was in for the surprise of his life. Bilney came to the confessional, knelt and began to confess the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and how he had once been a hopeless sinner but was now saved by the blood of Jesus! That is Thomas Bilney. That is an example and a heritage to be proud of!