Protestant History and Identity in Sixteenth-century Europe: The later Reformation

Protestant History and Identity in Sixteenth-century Europe: The later Reformation PDF

Author: Bruce Gordon

Publisher:

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13:

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The reforming movements of the 16th century were constantly being attacked by Rome for breaking the unity of the Apostolic Church. To counter these accusations the reformers turned to questions of 'tradition', 'history' and 'identity' in order to define and express the religious, political and social ideals of their movement. Though this debate was carried on with great vigour and spawned an enormous corpus of literature, a unifying concept of Protestant identity proved elusive; the process produced only divergent theological conclusions and conflicting social and political goals. These volumes present a coherent set of archive-based studies which examine and interpret the issues of identity and history so fundamental to the reformers. They examine the most important problems addressed, including the relationship between belief and locality in the formation of religious identity, the limitations to a coherent identity in protest, the effects of success on Protestant identity, and the nature of history as it applies to God's Church. This is an original and comprehensive treatment of the European Reformation and of the leading reformers' minds.

Christianity's Dangerous Idea

Christianity's Dangerous Idea PDF

Author: Alister McGrath

Publisher: Harper Collins

Published: 2009-10-13

Total Pages: 954

ISBN-13: 0061864749

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A New Interpretation of Protestantism and Its Impact on the World The radical idea that individuals could interpret the Bible for themselves spawned a revolution that is still being played out on the world stage today. This innovation lies at the heart of Protestantism's remarkable instability and adaptability. World-renowned scholar Alister McGrath sheds new light on the fascinating figures and movements that continue to inspire debate and division across the full spectrum of Protestant churches and communities worldwide.

The Reformation

The Reformation PDF

Author: Patrick Collinson

Publisher: Modern Library

Published: 2007-12-18

Total Pages: 274

ISBN-13: 0307432548

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“No revolution however drastic has ever involved a total repudiation of what came before it.” The religious reformations of the sixteenth century were the crucible of modern Western civilization, profoundly reshaping the identity of Europe’s emerging nation-states. In The Reformation, one of the preeminent historians of the period, Patrick Collinson, offers a concise yet thorough overview of the drastic ecumenical revolution of the late medieval and Renaissance eras. In looking at the sum effect of such disparate elements as the humanist philosophy of Desiderius Erasmus and the impact on civilization of movable-type printing and “vulgate” scriptures, or in defining the differences between the evangelical (Lutheran) and reformed (Calvinist) churches, Collinson makes clear how the battles for mens’ lives were often hatched in the battles for mens’ souls. Collinson also examines the interplay of spiritual and temporal matters in the spread of religious reform to all corners of Europe, and at how the Catholic Counter-Reformation used both coercion and institutional reform to retain its ecclesiastical control of Christendom. Powerful and remarkably well written, The Reformation is possibly the finest available introduction to this hugely important chapter in religious and political history.

Religion and Superstition in Reformation Europe

Religion and Superstition in Reformation Europe PDF

Author: Helen Parish

Publisher: Manchester University Press

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 9780719061585

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"Superstition" is one of the most fought over terms in the history of early modern popular culture, especially religious culture, and is also one of the most difficult to define. This volume offers a novel approach to the issue, based upon national and regional studies, and examinations of attitudes to prophets, ghosts, saints, and demonology, alongside an analysis of Catholic responses to the Reformation and the apparent presence of "superstition" in the reformed churches. It challenges the assumptions that Catholic piety was innately superstitious, while Protestantism was rational, and suggests that the early modern concept of "superstition" needs more careful treatment by historians.

The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century

The Reformation of the Sixteenth Century PDF

Author: Roland Bainton

Publisher: Beacon Press

Published: 1985-09-30

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 9780807013014

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Bainton presents the many strands that made up the Reformation in a single, brilliantly coherent account. He discusses the background for Luther's irreparable breach with the Church and its ramifications for 16th Century Europe, giving thorough accounts of the Diet of Worms, the institution of the Holy Commonwealth of Geneva, Henry VIII's break with Rome, and William the Silent's struggle for Dutch independence.

The Reformation in the Cities

The Reformation in the Cities PDF

Author: Steven E. Ozment

Publisher: Yale University Press

Published: 1975-01-01

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9780300024968

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"A bold synthesis of intellectual and social history which explains the appeal of Protestantism to the German and Swiss cities, the media of its communication, and the means of its establishment."--Religious Studies Review "This book is a stimulating addition to the recent work in urban history, and it offers a new and thought-provoking perspective on the teachings and appeal of early Protestantism."--History "Ozment very masterfully combines the history of ideas and social history in a work of exacting scholarship and persuasive argumentation. It will no doubt become a seminal work in its field."--The Annals "This fine study is a pleasure to read, shows an excellent understanding of the late medieval scene, and presents convincing evidence that magistrates and city council leaders were not the 'motors of reform' in the cities of Germany and Switzerland.... There is nothing in print in English that is comparable."--Choice "A work of unusual interest and value. . . . Essential reading for all students of the Reformation."--New Review of Books and Religion