James Atkinson (theologian)

The Reverend Canon
James Atkinson
Canon Theologian of Sheffield Cathedral
Church Church of England
Diocese Diocese of Sheffield
In office 1970 to 1993
Other posts Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Sheffield (1967–1979)
Orders
Ordination 1937 (deacon)
1938 (priest)
Personal details
Born (1914-04-27)27 April 1914
Tynemouth, Northumberland, England
Died 30 July 2011(2011-07-30) (aged 97)
Nationality British
Denomination Anglicanism
Education Tynemouth High School
Alma mater St John's College, Durham

James Atkinson (27 April 1914 – 30 July 2011) was a Church of England priest and academic specialising in Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. He was Professor of Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield from 1967 to 1979, Canon Theologian of Sheffield Cathedral from 1970 to 1993, and Director of the Centre for Reformation Studies in Sheffield from 1983 to 2006.[1][2][3][4]

Early life

Atkinson was born on 27 April 1914 in Tynemouth, Northumberland.[2] He was the eldest of three sons born to Nicholas Ridley Atkinson, a civil engineer with the Tynemouth Improvement Commission, and his wife Margaret.[1][4] He was educated at Tynemouth High School.[3] He then went to St John's College, Durham where he studied theology. He became Captain of Boats at the college's boat club.[2]

One of his brothers was Sir Robert Atkinson (1916–2015), a decorated Royal Navy officer and businessman. The other brother died during World War II, in March 1943, when the merchant ship on which he was serving was torpedoed and sank.[5]

Religious life

Atkinson was ordained a deacon in the Church of England in 1937 and a priest in 1938.[2][3] He was a curate at Holy Cross Church, Fenham, Newcastle, from 1937 to 1941.[2] He continued his studies at the University of Durham and completed a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1939.[4] In 1941, he joined the clergy of Sheffield Cathedral. He was succentor for one year, before serving as precentor from 1942 to 1944.[6]

Works

  • Atkinson, James, ed. (1962). Luther: early theological works. London: SCM Press.
  • Atkinson, James, ed. (1966). Luther's works: the christian in society I. Philadelphia: Fortress Press. ISBN 0800603443.
  • Atkinson, James (1968). Martin Luther and the birth of protestantism. Harmondsworth: Pelican.
  • Atkinson, James (1968). The Great Light. Exeter: Paternoster.
  • Atkinson, James, ed. (1987). Daily readings with Martin Luther. Springfield, Ill.: Templegate Publishers. ISBN 0872431576.

References

  1. 1 2 Townley, Peter (19 August 2011). "Rev Canon Prof James Atkinson: Priest and theologian acclaimed as an authority on Luther and the Reformation". The Independent. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "The Reverend Professor James Atkinson". The Daily Telegraph. 11 September 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 Thiselton, Anthony C. (7 September 2011). "The Rev James Atkinson obituary". The Guardian. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  4. 1 2 3 "Professor Canon James Atkinson". The Times. 19 August 2011. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  5. ↑ "Sir Robert Atkinson". The Times. 29 January 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  6. ↑ "James Atkinson". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
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