Preaching according to the Apostles' Creed. Inquiry into the origin and purpose of Summovník by Jan Augusta
Abstract
The study explores the original preaching programme created by the bishop of the Unity of the Brethren Jan Augusta. It deals with his recently discovered postil entitled Summovnik [Summarium], finished in 1557 and printed in 1570, which is based on a new pericope order following the structure of the Apostles' Creed.
It argues that Augusta's preaching programme should be interpreted, from the perspective of his ecclesiology, as an attempt to contribute to the renewal and building of the true Church of Christ. In addition, it provides arguments for the claim that the origin of Augusta's pericope order is closely linked with the so-called "return to Luke of Prague" in the first half of the 1540s.
Finally, it detects the sources of his inspiration not only in the domestic theological tradition of the Unity but also in the tradition of catechetical preaching in the Ancient Church.