Among the many issues historically separating Protestantism from Roman Catholicism is the doctrine of sola Scriptura. While much ink was spilled on this topic in the sixteenth century, few works were as impactful as the Anglican divine William Whitaker’s (1548–1595) work, A Disputation on Holy Scripture. Whitaker’s 1588 treatise was translated into English nearly two centuries ago by William Fitzgerald. However, that edition has long needed an update for modern readers. Prolego Press has taken up the task of doing just that in their 2024 edition.
Whitaker’s work is nearly exhaustive in scope. Using six different questions, he ably presents the doctrine of sola Scriptura, unpacking its necessary adjuncts (including the scope, translation, interpretation, authority, sufficiency, clarity, and efficacy of Scripture). He not only defines but likewise defends sola Scriptura against the counterarguments of noteworthy polemicists of his day (particularly Robert Bellarmine [1542–1621] and Thomas Stapleton [1535–1598]). Readers will find Whitaker’s work both refreshingly biblical and deeply historical. He not only cites the Scriptures, the church fathers, and medieval theologians; he exegetes them to show their genuine meaning in their native contexts. His responses to the arguments of his day (which are largely the same as those of contemporary Roman Catholic apologists) are both insightful and thorough. Therein lies the value to modern readers—particularly pastors—who may be looking for responses to such argumentation for themselves or for their parishioners.
Classical Lutheran readers will find little to disagree with in Whitaker’s presentation of sola Scriptura. Indeed, many of his arguments are drawn from thinkers such as Martin Luther (1483–1546), Johannes Brenz (1499–1570), and others. However, Lutherans will occasionally differ with Whitaker’s application of the doctrine. Such is the case with his criticism of the Lutheran doctrine of the Lord’s Supper. Since, however, this work is dedicated to defending sola Scriptura, such instances are rare and only account for a few pages of Whitaker’s voluminous work.
Leinbach has done an admirable job editing the new edition. The translation by Fitzgerald remains largely the same, with some language updated and spelling brought into conformity with American (as opposed to British) usage. Formatting and punctuation have been revised to meet contemporary scholarly standards, which likewise serve to make this edition flow more smoothly. More importantly, however, Leinbach has provided a monumental service to readers of the new edition, who will benefit from several hundred scholarly footnotes providing helpful linguistic, historical, biographical, and bibliographical information. The bibliographic footnotes especially are a welcome addition, since Whitaker did not always cite his sources and sometimes made inaccurate attributions, which Leinbach has carefully corrected. Also valuable is Leinbach’s usage of standard English translations of theologians cited by Whitaker which are easily obtained by modern readers. Even if readers own an earlier edition of Whitaker’s work, Prolego’s new edition is worth acquiring for the footnotes alone.
Steven R. J. Parks
Pastor, Hope Lutheran Church
Glendora, California