Luther's Sola Fide in Italy: 1542–1551

Abstract

“What do they know of Luther, who only Luther know?” This question posed by Professor Gordon Rupp is apposite as one commemorates the 450th Anniversary year of Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses. The discovery of Luther's biblical lectures has led to a renaissance in Luther studies. Would not careful attention to Catholic commentaries in the period between Luther and Trent provide that perspective suggested in Rupp's more than rhetorical question? In a recent study attention is drawn to humanistic influences on the decree of April 8, 1546 at Trent.8 I should like to draw attention to the Catholic biblical study of Marino Grimani (1486–1546), Clemens Aranis (1482–1559), and Ambrosius Catharinus (1484–1553) which is necessary to an understanding of the context of that April 8, 1546 decree on scripture and tradition at Trent. By thus observing part of the Catholic reaction to Luther one understands in a different way the importance for the people of God of Luther's study of the word of God. That difference relates to the definition of authority which is beyond the scope of this descriptive essay.