Berengar of Tours, the Medieval Zwingli

             Berengar of Tours is a significant figure in medieval Christian theology, is best known for his “controversial” views on the Eucharist and his contributions to the theological debates of his time. I quite like him as he is an important figure in the debate of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist (Communion.) For that reason, I call him the Medieval Zwingli due to the fact Berengar believes in the symbolic and spiritual presence of the Lord, rather than a literal, physical presence. 

Born around the year 999 in Tours, France, Berengar became a prominent theologian and educator, whose ideas challenged the prevailing doctrines of the Church. Throughout his life, he engaged in theological controversies, particularly concerning the nature of the Eucharist, and his works continue to be studied for their insights into medieval Christian thought.

1. Berengar's Early Life and Education

Berengar's early life is somewhat obscure, but it is known that he received his education in Tours and Angers, two prominent centers of learning in medieval France. He demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities from a young age and developed a deep knowledge of theology, classical literature, and biblical studies. His education likely included exposure to the writings of early Christian theologians, such as Augustine of Hippo, whose ideas would later influence his own theological views.

2. Berengar's Career and Contributions

After completing his education, Berengar embarked on a career in the Church, eventually becoming the archdeacon of Angers. He also served as a teacher in Tours. Berengar's reputation as a learned theologian and intellectual earned him respect within the Church and the wider scholarly community. Many of his writings and works are believed to have not survived, however these are some of his surviving works.

De Sacra Coena (On the Sacred Supper): This work is Berengar's most famous treatise and is central to his theological controversy over the nature of the Eucharist. In this treatise, Berengar outlines his views on the symbolic or metaphorical interpretation of the Eucharist and defends his position against the prevailing doctrine of transubstantiation.

De Corpore et Sanguine Domini (On the Body and Blood of the Lord): Another important work by Berengar, this treatise further elaborates on his views regarding the Eucharist and engages with theological arguments put forth by his opponents.

Letter to Lanfranc: Berengar exchanged correspondence with Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canterbury, regarding their theological differences, particularly concerning the Eucharist. Berengar's letter to Lanfranc provides insight into his arguments and defenses of his theological positions.

Commentary on Romans: Berengar is also credited with writing a commentary on the Epistle to the Romans, although this work is less well-known than his treatises on the Eucharist.

Berengar's most significant contributions to Christian theology emerged from his engagement in theological controversies, particularly his debates over the nature of the Eucharist. At the heart of these debates was the question of how to understand the presence of Christ in the sacrament of the Eucharist and the relationship between the elements of bread and wine and the body and blood of Christ.

3. Berengar's Theology of the Eucharist

Berengar's views on the Eucharist opposed the doctrine of transubstantiation, which held that the bread and wine used in the Eucharist undergo a substantial change, becoming the literal body and blood of Christ while retaining only the appearance of bread and wine. Instead, Berengar advocated for a symbolic or metaphorical interpretation of the Eucharist, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the sacrament rather than a literal transformation of the elements.

Central to Berengar's theology of the Eucharist was his belief that the bread and wine remained unchanged in substance and that they served merely as symbols or representations of Christ's body and blood. He argued that the Eucharist should be understood as a memorial or remembrance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross, rather than a reenactment or literal embodiment of that sacrifice.

Berengar's views on the Eucharist were influenced by his broader theological convictions, including his understanding of the relationship between faith and reason, scripture and tradition, and the nature of the Church. He drew upon the writings of early Christian theologians, such as Augustine of Hippo, whose emphasis on the symbolic nature of the sacraments as written in City of God, resonated with Berengar's own theological perspective.

4. Berengar's Controversies and Opposition

Berengar's teachings on the Eucharist provoked significant controversy and opposition from many of his contemporaries, including influential church figures like Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Berengar was summoned to several synods and councils to defend his beliefs, but he remained steadfast in his convictions, refusing to recant.

Despite facing condemnation and censure for his views, Berengar continued to defend his theological positions throughout his life. His writings, including his treatises and letters on the Eucharist, served as a defense of his beliefs and a challenge to the changing orthodoxy of the Church.

5. Berengar’s Legacy

Berengar's legacy has endured as an early example of dissent within the medieval Church and as a precursor to later Protestant perspectives on the Eucharist. While his views were ultimately rejected by the mainstream Church, they contributed to ongoing theological debates surrounding the nature of the sacrament and the relationship between faith and reason in Christian theology.

In the centuries following Berengar's death, his ideas continued to be discussed and debated within the Church, particularly during the Protestant Reformation, when reformers like Luther and Zwingli drew upon Berengar's arguments in their own critiques of the doctrine of transubstantiation. Today, Berengar's works are studied by scholars of medieval theology and Christian history for their insights into the intellectual and theological currents of the medieval period and their enduring relevance to contemporary discussions of Christian doctrine and practice.

In conclusion, Berengar of Tours was a very significant figure in medieval Christian theology whose controversial views on the Eucharist challenged the prevailing doctrines of the Church. His emphasis on the symbolic nature of the sacrament and his defense of his theological convictions continue to be studied and debated by scholars to this day. His beliefs and works represent a continued, and continuing belief in a symbolic view of Communion.