Date of Award
Fall 1976
Document Type
Dissertation - Restricted
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Theology
First Advisor
Egan, Keith J.
Second Advisor
Lienhard, Joseph T.
Third Advisor
Ahler, Richard
Abstract
The concept of covenant became a common construct of many theologians in the early part of the sixteenth century. Although it was a common notion, covenant theology varied in nuance among its theologians, depending on the needs and attitudes of the people to whom they brought this theological notion. In England, William Tyndale developed his notion of covenant as he translated scripture into the English tongue. To offset and overcome the power of the Roman clergy over Englishmen, he developed his covenant principles. Given full latitude, Tyndale believed his construct would move common Christians from ignorance to knowledge, from bondage to freedom, from unaccountability to responsibility. The sources for my work are primarily Tyndale's writings. Ample documentation will afford the reader the opportunity to look over my shoulder at these sources. In contrast to other interpreters, I will argue that there is a consistent theology and ethic of covenant throughout Tyndale's writings. Thus, there are developments of evangelical covenant theology already in the 1520's and 1530's. The nuances and implications of Tyndale's covenant theology (Chapter 2) will be traced throughout other aspects of his theology (Chapter 3).