Peter Martyr Vermigli and Predestination: The Augustinian Inheritance of an Italian Reformer(Oxford Theological Monographs)

This study is in its broadest sense an inquiry into the intellectual origins of the Reformed branch of Protestantism generally, but inaccurately, designated Calvinism. More specifically, it concerns one of the early theologians who gave formative shape to Reformed theology, Peter Martyr Vermigli (1499-1562), and focuses on his adoption of the soteriological doctrine of gemina praedestinatio, double predestination: divine election and divine reprobation. One of the most erudite men of his age, Vermigli was also one of the most remarkable, for his religious career spanned the ecclesiastical horizon from prominence as a Roman Catholic theologian to one of the formative theologians of sixteenth century Reformed Protestantism. No other theologian of the early sixteenth century was so distinguished in both camps. James argues that Vermigli derived the doctrine of gemina praedestinatio from the writings of Gregory of Rimini and that it was fully formed before he allied himself with the Protestant cause, thus illustrating an important aspect of soteriological continuity between late medieval and reformation thought.

Review :
`This book marks the passing of the torch to a new generation of Vermigli scholars, establishing James as a central figure in the next stage of the Vermigli renaissance.' John L. Farthing, Religious Studies Rev., Vol.26, No.4, Oct. 2000. `displays all the erudition and theoretical bite one expects of a really good monograph. He is fully aware of the works of others on these subjects, and examines them closely and independently, critically but fairly ... makes a major contribution to our knowledge of early Protestant theology and deserves wide recognition.' Robert M. Kingdom, Church History, March 2000, Vol.69, No.1. `This monograph is most illuminating on the Italian background to Reformation ... Professor James ... succeeds admirably in showing something that is of considerable importance to students of the history of Reformed theology, namely the continuity of influence between late medieval theology and the mainstream Reformation.' Paul Helm, Religious Studies, Volume 35, 1999 `This is a bold book which future research may well prove sound in its central conviction. It deserves to provoke fresh scrutiny of the placing of predestination in the late medieval and early Protestant thought. Above all, it should attract a new readership to Peter Martyr Vermigli.' D.F. Wright, Journal of Theological Studies Vol. 51 No. 1