Theory and practice of discipline in the Scottish Reformation

Abstract

Protestant discipline was a theory of immense importance la the Scottish, English and European, reformations of the sixteenth century. Later confusion and disparagement, should not blind .modern scholarship to the high value set on the "third mark" by the reformers, Behind the tensions of late sixteenth century Scotland we have glimpsed a great unitive theory of discipline which never quite reached agreement and practice, but yet may offer the modern church a clue and precedent to enable her to rise above the bias and restrictions of fixed ecclesiastical polities and ceremonies.

Discipline was important, but always highly controversial. Questions about the relative importance and nature of discipline were never universally agreed upon by the protestant reformers. This wag disastrous because, lacking clear and accepted definition, it was inevitable that the new churches would develop divergent and conflicting theories and practices.

Why was not a clear and universal definition reached? I do not believe this can be answered until two more major studies in discipline have bees, made--studies of the disciplinary theories of Martin Bucer and John Calvin. There are evidences of much strain and lack of clarity in the Frankfort experiences and the Scottish documents. I conjecture that this mirrors an insecurity caused by Calvin's retreat from the broad, bold theory of Martin Bucer and, perhaps, from Calvin's own earlier position. I am convinced from Calvin's treatment of discipline in the 1559 Institutes that he had become hesitant about the value of the contemporary practice of discipline in many reformed areas. I have suggested that this may have been for theological reasons (the possible tyranny of an external aid over the Word and sacraments) or for a very practical reason--the fear of losing England to the reformation. Certainly the net result was to lead Calvin to reduce discipline to a system of judicial censure omitting it as a necessary mark of the true church.