Arnold of Brescia

Arnold of Brescia (ca 1100-1155), exiled twice and finally martyred, takes us into the student world of Paris during the blossoming of the twelfth-century Renaissance, through an infamous heresy trial, to teaching in Paris, then Zurich, and into Rome where he was the spiritual leader of the city for almost a decade. Arnold believed the church should be separate from civil government. He supported the revived Roman Senate and the Roman people who were foremost among the many who loved and admired him.
An Augustinian canon regular, Arnold made the authorities, ecclesiastical and imperial, tremble. He was a brilliant scholar of Latin literature and Scripture--a combination that made him both sane and formidable. He was first a student and later a colleague of the great Peter Abelard--a champion of reason. Their independence brought them into conflict with Bernard of Clairvaux, relentless defender of the status quo in society and theology.
Arnold vigorously supported the democratic commune movement as cities struggled for independence from episcopal control during the twelfth century. A man of learning and action, he challenged the medieval synthesis by which popes and emperors exercised authority.

""In this fresh and readable narrative, Phil Johnson illumines the critical issues and intellectual ferment of medieval Europe in the twelfth century. After nearly a millennium, Arnold's untiring advocacy for the ministry and integrity of the church still speaks a transforming word in the relationships of clergy and laity, the sacred and the secular, wealth and power, spiritual depth and intellectual integrity.""
--Philip J. Anderson, Professor Emeritus of Church History, North Park Theological Seminary

""[Johnson's] thoughtful examination of the text is intense and thorough; he is able to uncover hidden truths and provide revealing footnotes that make the text human and alive. With acumen, wit, and a discerning eye, Johnson maintains the reader's interest in this new work about Arnold of Brescia.""
--Arthur Mampel, Poet

""Arnold of Brescia is a clear and careful study of this martyred defender of apostolic poverty, a church free of state control, the rights of towns to self-governance, the role of the laity, and ecclesiastical and civil democracy. Johnson's work will convince the reader of both Arnold's historical significance and his contemporary relevance.""
--Thomas Tredway, Emeritus Professor of History and President, Augustana College 

""Johnson illuminates engagingly the life of an almost forgotten, deeply spiritual, twelfth-century champion of secular society. Arnold of Brescia's integrity, faith, and tenacity in the face of entrenched and powerful religious forces, are amazing. Arnold's clarity of purpose and passion for liberty cost him his life. His story challenges us today."" 
--Sherod Miller, Sociologist

Phillip D. Johnson is editor emeritus of Pietisten, an ecumenical journal that draws inspiration from the heritage of Lutheran, Wesleyan, and Moravian Pietism. He has been a pastor, teacher, president of a motel company, and psychologist. He writes regularly in Pietisten, and is the author of Funny Stuff in the Bible. He received his MDiv degree at Andover-Newton Theological School, his MTh in church history at Luther Seminary, and his MA in counseling at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. He lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.