Exploring the 39 Articles of Religion and Their Distinction from Presbyterian Theology
The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion stand as one of the foundational documents of Anglican theology, encapsulating the doctrinal principles of the Church of England and its daughter churches worldwide. Drafted in the 16th century during the English Reformation, these articles articulate a distinct theological identity that navigates between Roman Catholicism and Reformed Protestantism. In contrast, Presbyterian theology, shaped by the Westminster Confession of Faith and the broader Reformed tradition, follows its own unique trajectory. This article explores the theological content of the Thirty-Nine Articles and how they diverge from Presbyterian theology, illuminating the nuanced differences between these two streams of Protestant Christianity.
Historical Context of the Thirty-Nine Articles
The Thirty-Nine Articles were finalized in 1571 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Their purpose was to establish doctrinal unity within the Church of England, addressing controversies of the Reformation era while maintaining continuity with certain aspects of the Catholic tradition. The Articles reflect the influence of both Reformed theology and the unique circumstances of the English Reformation, including the desire for a national church independent of papal authority.
Presbyterian theology, on the other hand, emerged primarily in Scotland under the leadership of figures like John Knox, a disciple of John Calvin. The Westminster Confession of Faith, written in 1646, became the defining doctrinal standard for Presbyterianism. Rooted firmly in the Reformed tradition, the Westminster Confession emphasizes God’s sovereignty, covenant theology, and a rigorous approach to church governance.
Key Themes in the Thirty-Nine Articles
The Thirty-Nine Articles cover a wide range of doctrinal issues, from the nature of God and Scripture to the sacraments and the role of the church. Below are some of the central themes and their points of departure from Presbyterian theology:
1. Scripture and Authority
The Thirty-Nine Articles affirm the primacy of Scripture in matters of faith and practice. Article VI states: “Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salvation: so that whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought requisite or necessary to salvation.” This principle aligns with the Reformed tradition, including Presbyterianism.
However, Anglican theology, as reflected in the Articles, permits a greater role for tradition and the early church fathers. Article XXXIV, for instance, emphasizes the authority of the church to establish rites and ceremonies that do not contradict Scripture. Presbyterians, in contrast, adhere more strictly to the regulative principle of worship, which limits church practices to those explicitly commanded in Scripture.
2. The Sacraments
The Thirty-Nine Articles recognize only two sacraments as instituted by Christ: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Article XXV). This is consistent with Presbyterian theology. However, Anglicanism retains a more sacramental understanding of these rites. For instance, Article XXVIII describes the Lord’s Supper as a means of grace, stating that “The Body of Christ is given, taken, and eaten, in the Supper, only after an heavenly and spiritual manner. And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is received and eaten in the Supper is Faith.”
Presbyterians also affirm a spiritual presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper, but their emphasis is more on the covenantal and commemorative aspects. The Anglican approach, shaped by its liturgical tradition, places a greater emphasis on the mystery of the sacraments.
3. Church Authority and Governance
Article XIX defines the church as “a congregation of faithful men, in the which the pure Word of God is preached, and the Sacraments be duly ministered.” While this definition is broad enough to encompass Presbyterian ecclesiology, Anglican governance diverges significantly.
Anglicanism maintains an episcopal structure, with bishops serving as overseers of dioceses. This hierarchical model, rooted in apostolic succession, is affirmed in Article XXXVI. Presbyterians, however, adhere to a presbyterian form of governance, which emphasizes the equality of ministers and the role of elders in church leadership. The Presbyterian system reflects a more democratic and decentralized approach to church authority.
4. Predestination and Free Will
Article XVII addresses the doctrine of predestination, affirming that “predestination to life is the everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the foundations of the world were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his counsel secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of mankind.” This aligns with the Reformed emphasis on God’s sovereignty in salvation.
However, the tone of Article XVII is pastoral, warning against the dangers of delving too deeply into the doctrine of predestination. Anglican theology often seeks a balance, emphasizing both God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Presbyterian theology, following the Westminster Confession, provides a more detailed exposition of predestination and its implications, often with a stronger emphasis on double predestination.
5. Justification and Good Works
Article XI asserts that “We are accounted righteous before God, only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by Faith, and not for our own works or deservings.” This affirmation of justification by faith alone aligns closely with Presbyterian theology.
However, Article XII goes on to emphasize the importance of good works as a natural outgrowth of true faith: “Albeit that good Works, which are the fruits of Faith, and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins, and endure the severity of God’s judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring out necessarily of a true and lively Faith.” While Presbyterians also value good works, their theology often places a stronger focus on the covenantal framework in which sanctification occurs.
6. The Role of the Monarch
One of the most distinctive aspects of the Thirty-Nine Articles is the assertion of the monarch’s role in the governance of the church. Article XXXVII states that “The Queen’s Majesty hath the chief power in this Realm of England, and other her Dominions, unto whom the chief Government of all Estates of this Realm, whether they be Ecclesiastical or Civil, in all causes doth appertain.” This reflects the historical context of the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England as a state church.
Presbyterian theology, by contrast, upholds the separation of church and state, emphasizing the church’s independence in spiritual matters. This principle was central to the development of Presbyterianism in Scotland, particularly in its struggles against state interference.
Practical Implications
The theological differences between Anglicanism and Presbyterianism are not merely theoretical; they manifest in worship, governance, and the daily life of the church. Anglicans, with their Book of Common Prayer and emphasis on liturgical worship, cultivate a sense of beauty and order in their services. Presbyterians, with their simpler worship style and focus on preaching, reflect a commitment to the primacy of Scripture and the preached Word.
In terms of governance, the episcopal structure of Anglicanism provides a clear hierarchy, which can facilitate unity and stability but may also concentrate power in the hands of a few. The Presbyterian model, with its system of elders and assemblies, fosters a more participatory approach but can sometimes lead to conflicts over authority and decision-making.
The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion and Presbyterian theology represent two distinct expressions of Reformation Christianity. While both traditions affirm the centrality of Scripture, justification by faith, and the sovereignty of God, their differences in sacramental theology, church governance, and the role of tradition highlight the diversity within Protestantism.
Anglicanism, as articulated in the Thirty-Nine Articles, seeks a middle way that blends Reformed theology with elements of Catholic tradition. Presbyterianism, with its roots in the Westminster Confession, embodies a more rigorously Reformed approach. Understanding these differences not only enriches our appreciation of these traditions but also invites us to reflect on the broader unity and diversity of the Christian faith.