In this RCS companion volume Gerald L. Bray immerses readers in the world of Reformation theology. He introduces the range of theological debates as Catholics and Protestants from a diversity of traditions disputed the essentials of the faith, from the authority of Scripture and the nature of salvation to the definition of the church, the efficacy of the sacraments, and the place of good works in the Christian life.
Gerald Bray Books
Gerald L. Bray is a priest of the Church of England whose scholarship delves deeply into the interpretation of Scripture and the historical development of Christian doctrine. His work is distinguished by meticulous engagement with early Church fathers and their foundational texts. Bray's research illuminates the continuity and evolution of theological thought across centuries. He is instrumental in making vital theological writings accessible to a contemporary audience through his extensive editorial work.






The History of Christianity in Britain and Ireland
From the First Century to the Twenty-First
- 720 pages
- 26 hours of reading
This comprehensive history explores the development of Christianity across Britain and Ireland, examining its profound impact on culture, society, and politics. It delves into the interactions between various Christian traditions and their influence on historical events, shaping the identities of nations. The narrative highlights key figures, movements, and theological shifts, offering insights into how Christianity evolved in response to social changes and historical challenges. This integrated approach provides a fresh perspective on the religious landscape of the region.
The book explores the motivations behind the translation of the Bible into English during a tumultuous religious period, focusing on the prefaces from key translations between 1525 and 1611. It highlights significant historical events and provides insights into the spiritual concerns of the translators. Accompanied by notes on the sources of quotations, this collection serves as a valuable resource for understanding the theological heritage of the King James Version, celebrating its 400th anniversary. Gerald Bray, an expert in church history, compiles these texts.
Exploring the profound insights of Jesus' iconic prayer, this book delves into its deep truths and transformative messages. It offers readers a unique perspective on spirituality and personal growth, encouraging reflection on the significance of prayer in daily life. Through insightful analysis, the text reveals how these timeless teachings can inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journeys, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of faith and connection with the divine.
Creeds, Councils and Christ
- 224 pages
- 8 hours of reading
How reliable a picture of Jesus Christ do we get from the Bible and the early Church writings? This book considers this key question and explains in straightforward terms what the early church believed and why it developed its theology in the way that it did. Through scrupulous research Gerald Bray has pieced together the evidence.
The Attributes of God
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
How can we (created beings) know God (the Creator)? Throughout history, the church has recognized the importance of studying and understanding God's attributes. As the Creator of all things, God is unique and cannot be compared to any of his creatures, so to know him, believers turn to the pages of Scripture. In The Attributes of God, renowned theologian Gerald Bray leads us on an exploration of God's being, his essential attributes, his relational attributes, and the relevance of his attributes to our thinking, lives, and worship. As we better understand God's attributes, we will learn to delight in who God is and how he has made himself known to us in Scripture.
Exploring the complexities of Anglicanism, the book delves into its identity as both a Protestant and a Catholic tradition. Gerald Bray examines various theological perspectives, highlighting which are most aligned with the Church of England's history and nature. This historical analysis provides insights into the diversity within Anglicanism and offers readers a deeper understanding of its past and potential future.
Focusing on the theme of God's love, this accessible volume on systematic theology connects major biblical doctrines in a way that resonates with the average Christian. It aims to deepen understanding of theological concepts while emphasizing the centrality of divine love throughout scripture.
Preaching the Word with John Chrysostom
- 120 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Learn from the early church's greatest preacher. John of Antioch, later called "chrysostomos" ("golden mouth"), preached over 600 extant sermons. He was one of the most prolific authors in the early Church, surpassed only by Augustine of Hippo. His example and work has inspired countless Christians through the ages. In Preaching the Word with Chrysostom, through a combination of storytelling and theology, Gerald Bray reflects upon 1,500 year-old pastoral wisdom from one of church history's most prolific Christ-centered preachers. Chrysostom's eloquent preaching and influence on Christian teaching left a legacy that is still recognized today. The Lived Theology series explores aspects of Christian doctrine through the eyes of the men and women who practiced it. Interweaving the contributions of notable individuals alongside their overshadowed contemporaries, we gain a much deeper understanding and appreciation of their work and the broad tapestry of Christian history. These books illuminate the vital contributions made by these figures throughout the history of the church.
Institution of a Christian Man
- 498 pages
- 18 hours of reading
The book explores the evolution of the Institution of a Christian Man, a foundational text of the Church of England. It details its origins with Archbishop Thomas Cranmer and his bishops, the significant revisions by Henry VIII, and the adaptations made under Bishop Edmund Bonner during Mary I's reign. Gerald Bray provides a comprehensive analysis of how these changes reflect the shifting religious and political landscape of the Reformation era.