Faith, Tradition, and Relevance: Exploring the Thirty-Nine Articles in a Modern World

The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion are a historic set of doctrinal statements that have shaped the theology of the Church of England since the 16th century. Written during the English Reformation, they were designed to establish a middle ground between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism, offering a framework for Anglican belief and practice. While they were written in a very different time and context, the Articles still hold relevance today, even for those who identify with progressive Christianity—a movement that emphasises inclusivity, social justice, and a reimagining of traditional doctrines.

The Thirty-Nine Articles were finalized in 1571 under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I and were included in the Book of Common Prayer, serving as a doctrinal foundation for the Church of England. They address a wide range of theological topics, including the nature of God, the authority of Scripture, the sacraments, and the role of the Church. While originally intended to resolve disputes between Catholics and Protestants, the Articles also reflect broader questions about faith, reason, and the human condition—questions that remain relevant today. Influenced by the earlier work of Thomas Cranmer, the first Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury, the Articles built on his theological vision, which shaped the first editions of the Book of Common Prayer (1549 and 1552) and the Forty-Two Articles (1553), a precursor to the Thirty-Nine Articles.

The Articles were part of a broader effort to define the doctrine of the Church of England during a time of significant religious upheaval. Earlier attempts, such as the Ten Articles (1536) and the Six Articles (1539), reflected the shifting balance between Catholic and Protestant influences under Henry VIII. By the time Elizabeth I ascended the throne, the Thirty-Nine Articles were crafted to strike a balance between Catholic tradition and Protestant reform, solidifying the Church of England’s unique identity. However, during the mid-17th century, the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles faced suppression. In 1652, under the Puritan-led Commonwealth of England, the use of the Prayer Book was banned, as it was seen as too closely tied to Anglican and Catholic traditions. This period of prohibition highlights the ongoing tensions within English Christianity, but the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought the Prayer Book and Articles back into use, cementing their place in Anglican tradition.

The influence of the Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles extended far beyond England, shaping Anglican worship and doctrine in countries like Australia. When the Church of England expanded to Australia during British colonization in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the 1662 Book of Common Prayer and the Thirty-Nine Articles were brought with it as foundational texts for Anglican worship and theology. Over time, local adaptations, such as the Australian Prayer Book (1978) and subsequent A Prayer Book for Australia (1995), modernized the liturgy while retaining the historical significance of the 1662 Prayer Book and the Articles, which continue to inform Anglican identity in Australia today.

Timeline of the Book of Common Prayer

Early Development

1534: Act of Supremacy declares Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England, initiating the English Reformation.

1544: Thomas Cranmer publishes the Exhortation and Litany, the first English-language service of the Church of England.

1549: The first Book of Common Prayer is published under Edward VI, primarily authored by Thomas Cranmer. It introduces a unified liturgy in English, replacing the Latin rites.

1552: A second, more Protestant version of the BCP is published under Edward VI, reflecting Reformed theology and removing many Catholic elements.

Suppression and Restoration

1553–1558: Under Mary I ('Bloody Mary'), the BCP is banned, and England returns to Roman Catholic worship.

1559: Elizabeth I restores the Church of England and reintroduces the 1559 Book of Common Prayer, which combines elements of the 1549 and 1552 versions to appeal to both Protestants and Catholics.

1604: Under James I, minor changes are made to the BCP, including the addition of a section on the sacraments in the Catechism.

Civil War and the 1662 Revision

1645: During the English Civil War, the Puritan-led Parliament abolishes the BCP and replaces it with the Directory for Public Worship.

1660: The monarchy is restored under Charles II, and the BCP is reinstated.

1662: The 1662 Book of Common Prayer is published after the Savoy Conference. This version becomes the standard for Anglican worship and remains the official prayer book of the Church of England.

Global Expansion and Adaptations

1789: The Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States publishes its own version of the BCP, adapted for the American context.

19th Century: The BCP is translated into numerous languages as Anglicanism spreads globally through British colonization.

1928: A proposed revision of the BCP in England is rejected by Parliament, but the Deposited Book is authorized for limited use.

1979: The Episcopal Church in the United States publishes a modernized version of the BCP, reflecting contemporary language and theology.

Modern Revisions

1980: The Church of England introduces the Alternative Service Book, offering modern liturgies alongside the 1662 BCP.

1995: The Anglican Church of Australia publishes A Prayer Book for Australia, a modern liturgical text adapted for Australian contexts.

2000: The Church of England replaces the Alternative Service Book with Common Worship, a collection of modern liturgies, while the 1662 BCP remains authorized for use.

Articles 1–8: The Faith

These Articles focus on the core beliefs of Christianity, including the Trinity, the divinity of Christ, and the authority of Scripture.

1. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity: Affirms belief in one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

   • Relevance Today: Progressive Christians often emphasize the mystery of God and the relational nature of the Trinity, which can inspire a theology of community and interconnectedness.

2. Of the Word or Son of God: Declares that Jesus Christ is fully divine and fully human.

   • Relevance Today: Many progressive Christians focus on Jesus as a model of radical love and justice, emphasizing His humanity while honoring His divinity.

3. Of the Going Down of Christ into Hell: States that Christ descended into Hell after His death.

   • Relevance Today: This can be seen as a metaphor for Christ’s solidarity with human suffering, a theme central to progressive theology.

4. Of the Resurrection of Christ: Affirms the bodily resurrection of Jesus.

   • Relevance Today: While some progressive Christians interpret the resurrection symbolically, it remains a powerful image of hope and renewal.

5. Of the Holy Ghost: Affirms the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

   • Relevance Today: The Holy Spirit is often seen as the presence of God in the world, inspiring movements for justice and peace.

6. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation: Declares that Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation.

   • Relevance Today: Progressive Christians often emphasize the importance of interpreting Scripture through the lens of love and justice, rather than rigid literalism.

7. Of the Old Testament: Affirms the value of the Old Testament as part of God’s revelation.

   • Relevance Today: Progressive Christians often draw on the Old Testament’s themes of liberation and covenant to address modern issues.

8. Of the Three Creeds: Endorses the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.

   • Relevance Today: While some progressive Christians question the creeds’ language, they can still serve as a unifying expression of faith.

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Articles 9–18: Personal Religion

These Articles address sin, grace, and salvation.

9. Of Original or Birth Sin: Describes humanity’s fallen nature.

   • Relevance Today: Progressive Christians often reinterpret sin as broken relationships rather than inherited guilt.

10. Of Free Will: States that humans cannot turn to God without divine grace.

• Relevance Today: This can inspire humility and reliance on God’s transformative love.

11. Of the Justification of Man: Affirms justification by faith alone.

• Relevance Today: Progressive Christians may expand this to include faith expressed through love and action.

12. Of Good Works: Good works are the fruit of faith but do not earn salvation.

• Relevance Today: This aligns with the progressive emphasis on social justice as an expression of faith.

13. Of Works Before Justification: Declares that works done without faith are not pleasing to God.

• Relevance Today: This can be reimagined to emphasize the importance of authentic, love-driven action.

14. Of Works of Supererogation: Rejects the idea that people can do more than God requires.

• Relevance Today: This challenges legalism and encourages humility.

15. Of Christ Alone Without Sin: Affirms that Christ was without sin.

• Relevance Today: Christ’s sinlessness can be seen as a model of perfect love and compassion.

16. Of Sin After Baptism: States that sin after baptism can be forgiven through repentance.

• Relevance Today: This emphasizes God’s ongoing grace and forgiveness.

17. Of Predestination and Election: Affirms God’s sovereignty in salvation.

• Relevance Today: Progressive Christians may focus on God’s inclusive love rather than exclusivity.

18. Of Obtaining Eternal Salvation Only by the Name of Christ: Declares that salvation is through Christ alone.

• Relevance Today: Many progressive Christians interpret this as emphasizing Christ’s way of love, rather than excluding other faiths.

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Articles 19–31: The Church and Sacraments

These Articles address the nature of the Church and the sacraments.

19. Of the Church: Defines the Church as the community of faithful believers.

• Relevance Today: Progressive Christians often emphasize the Church as a community of inclusion and justice.

20. Of the Authority of the Church: States that the Church cannot contradict Scripture.

• Relevance Today: This can inspire a balance between tradition and reform.

21. Of the Authority of General Councils: Declares that councils can err.

• Relevance Today: This encourages humility and openness to new insights.

22. Of Purgatory: Rejects purgatory and related practices.

• Relevance Today: Progressive Christians may focus on God’s grace rather than fear-based doctrines.

23. Of Ministering in the Congregation: Requires lawful ordination for ministry.

• Relevance Today: This can be expanded to affirm the ordination of women and LGBTQ+ individuals.

24. Of Speaking in the Congregation in a Tongue Understood by the People: Worship should be in a language people understand.

• Relevance Today: This supports accessible and inclusive worship.

25. Of the Sacraments: Affirms Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as sacraments.

• Relevance Today: These sacraments remain central to Christian life, symbolizing grace and community.

26. Of the Unworthiness of Ministers: The validity of sacraments does not depend on the minister’s character.

• Relevance Today: This emphasizes God’s work over human flaws.

27. Of Baptism: Describes Baptism as a sign of regeneration.

• Relevance Today: Baptism can be seen as a celebration of belonging and new life.

28. Of the Lord’s Supper: Rejects transubstantiation and affirms the spiritual presence of Christ.

• Relevance Today: The Eucharist remains a powerful symbol of unity and grace.

29. Of the Wicked Which Eat Not the Body of Christ: States that the ungodly do not spiritually partake of Christ.

• Relevance Today: This can be reinterpreted to emphasize the importance of genuine faith.

30. Of Both Kinds: Both bread and wine should be given in Communion.

• Relevance Today: This supports full participation in worship.

31. Of the One Oblation of Christ Finished Upon the Cross: Rejects the Mass as a repeated sacrifice.

• Relevance Today: This emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s love and sacrifice.

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Articles 32–39: Miscellaneous

These Articles address practical matters like clergy marriage and property.

32. Of the Marriage of Priests: Allows clergy to marry.

• Relevance Today: This supports the inclusion of diverse family structures in ministry.

33. Of Excommunicated Persons: Encourages repentance and reconciliation.

• Relevance Today: This aligns with progressive values of restoration and inclusion.

34. Of the Traditions of the Church: Traditions must not contradict Scripture.

• Relevance Today: This supports reforming harmful traditions.

35. Of the Homilies: Endorses the Church’s official sermons.

• Relevance Today: This encourages thoughtful preaching.

36. Of Consecration of Bishops and Ministers: Affirms Anglican ordination practices.

• Relevance Today: This can inspire respect for diverse ministries.

37. Of the Civil Magistrates: Affirms the monarch’s authority in civil matters.

• Relevance Today: This can inspire engagement with social and political issues.

38. Of Christian Men's Goods: Encourages generosity to the poor.

• Relevance Today: This aligns with progressive values of economic justice.

39. Of a Christian Man's Oath: Permits oaths made truthfully.

• Relevance Today: This emphasizes integrity and honesty.

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The Thirty-Nine Articles and Progressive Christianity

While the Thirty-Nine Articles were written in a specific historical context, they continue to offer insights for progressive Christians. By reinterpreting the Articles through the lens of love, justice, and inclusion, we can honor their legacy while addressing the challenges of our time. The Articles remind us that faith is not static but a living tradition that evolves as we seek to follow Christ in a changing world.