Councils of the Catholic Reformation: Pisa I (1409) to Trent (1545-63)(Variorum Collected Studies)

This new collection by Nelson Minnich deals with the general councils of the Catholic Reformation in the late medieval and early modern periods. The volume opens with overviews of the various editions of and current scholarship on these general councils. Three studies then give special attention to the role of theologians in these councils: their changing legal status (consultative or deliberative voting rights) and their individual roles and those of the various theological schools in drafting the decrees. Another article examines the legal status of theologians accused of heresy and schism. Two examine the contest between the councils of Pisa-Milan-Asti-Lyon and Lateran V for legitimacy, studying in particular the contrasting image of Julius II (suspended for contumacy by Pisa but the strong leader of Lateran V) and the role ceremonies played in securing legitimacy. Last, there are three studies devoted to the Council of Trent: the status of the Protestants who came to the council, its debates on the priesthood of all believers, and the influence of Lateran V on its procedures, debates, and decrees.

Table of Contents:
Contents: Preface; From Constance to Trent: a historical overview; The first printed editions of the modern councils: from Konstanz to Lateran V (1499-1526); The official edition (1521) of the 5th Lateran Council (1512-1517); The changing status of the theologians in the general councils of the West: Pisa (1409) to Trent (1545-1563); The voice of the theologians in general councils from Pisa to Trent; Wie in dem basilischen concilio den Behemen gescheen'? The status of the Protestants at the Council of Trent; The role of schools of theology in the Councils of the late medieval and Renaissance periods: Konstanz to Lateran V; Prophecy and the 5th Lateran Council (1512-1517); Rite convocare ac congregare procedereque: the struggle between the Councils of Pisa-Milan-Asti-Lyons and Lateran V; The images of Julius II in the Acta of the Councils of Pisa-Milan-Asti-Lyons (1511-12) and Lateran V (1512-17); The priesthood of all believers at the Council of Trent; The last 2 Councils of the Catholic Reformation: the influence of Lateran V on Trent; Index.

About the Author :
Nelson H. Minnich is Professor in the Department of History, The Catholic University of America, USA

Review :
’La cohérence de la démarche de l'historien est soulignée par le rapprochement de ces études en un seul volume, mettant en valeur une période où les questions conjoncturelles alimentent des débats ecclésiologiques structurels.’ Revue d'Histoire Ecclésiastique ’All of these essays are marked by nuanced analysis and excellent bibliographies. They are also helpful for understanding the implications of conciliar studies for current ecumenism and for future paths of research. This collection is certainly indispensable to specialists in conciliar studies and of high value to anyone who seeks to understand the deep continuities in Catholic reform efforts in the century and a half preceding the Council of Trent.’ Sixteenth Century Journal