He is otherwise known as Robert Greathead . The reformer died this day , October 9, 1253 . He became Bishop of Lincoln in 1235 , which at that time was the largest diocese in England . He was known as one of the most learned men of the middle ages. He was accomplished in the sciences , philosophy and theology . His emphasis to his flock was on studying the Scripture . There still exist about 250 of his sermons as well as 60 treatises and commentaries on various books of the Bible . AND , he believed and taught the doctrines of grace .
To Innocent the 4th he sent a " Memorial " . It listed grievances which can be compared to Luther's 95 propositions which we will remember in a few weeks . But according to George M. Ella , (from whom I now quote in his " The Reformation Candle-Part 1 ) : " Where , however , Luther's protests were those of a young rebel , complaining of the misuse of papal power , Greathead's work is a sermon in pastoral theology from an old , wise , fatherly figure and an appeal to the clergy to feed Christ's flock and not fleece them . Greathead claimed that only a shepherd , who preached a living word from a living zeal for the salvation of souls ought to have a church placed in his care , yet Rome's Curia was replacing the light of the world in England by the thickest darkness and icy coldness of death . "
His student and friend, Roger Bacon , who became much more famous lauded him as a great man . I regard him as a pioneer in the Church . His work was necessary as a preparation to what would follow in the next centuries .
To Innocent the 4th he sent a " Memorial " . It listed grievances which can be compared to Luther's 95 propositions which we will remember in a few weeks . But according to George M. Ella , (from whom I now quote in his " The Reformation Candle-Part 1 ) : " Where , however , Luther's protests were those of a young rebel , complaining of the misuse of papal power , Greathead's work is a sermon in pastoral theology from an old , wise , fatherly figure and an appeal to the clergy to feed Christ's flock and not fleece them . Greathead claimed that only a shepherd , who preached a living word from a living zeal for the salvation of souls ought to have a church placed in his care , yet Rome's Curia was replacing the light of the world in England by the thickest darkness and icy coldness of death . "
His student and friend, Roger Bacon , who became much more famous lauded him as a great man . I regard him as a pioneer in the Church . His work was necessary as a preparation to what would follow in the next centuries .
