Five Leading Reformers: Lives at a Watershed of History (Biography) - Softcover

Catherwood; Christopher

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845505530 ISBN 13: 9781845505530

Publisher: Christian Focus Publications, 2002

Synopsis

There is nothing which brings a period to life quite as much as a biographical sketch, and the period of the Reformation is especially rich in memorable characters. Catherwoods fluent style brings out the broad sweep of a spiritual movement which transcended national barriers and has left a permanent mark on Europe and the wider world. He shows how five men of very different backgrounds and outlook could all be caught up in the same experience of a life transformed by the power of God. These portraits are painted warts and all to give readers an accurate, truthful, and compelling account of the lives of five great men at a watershed of history.

About this title

Product Description

Five Leading Reformers Christopher Catherwood summarises the lives of Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Thomas Cranmer and John Knox. He unlocks the motivation, the power and drive that pushed these men to risk their position, their livelihoods and their lives.

Review

Christopher Catherwood, a writer abreast of ongoing historical study of the period and aware of the spiritual issues hanging on the chain of events, tracks five major players from the cradle to the grave: Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, Cranmer, Knox. Each in his way was a watershed figure, and Catherwood's vivid profiling of them will help to keep their memory green.

(Dr J. I. Packer, Professor Regent College, Vancouver)

Christopher Catherwood's fluent style brings out the broad sweep of a spiritual movement which transcended national barriers and has left a permanent mark on Europe and in the wider world. He shows how five men of very different personality and outlook could all be caught up in the same experience of a life transformed by the power of God. The portraits are painted "warts and all" but the message is clear - God can and does use the weak and imperfect things of this world to proclaim his message of salvation in Christ to all who believe.

(Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, Sanford University, Alabama)

This is a vigorous insider's account of five churchmen and theologians prominent in the movement that transformed the face of Christendom. The author emphasises especially the political dimension of the reformation, and with it the emancipation of lay people. He corrects caricatures, without portraying plaster saints. This is a religious biography with a message for today, lest we forget.

(David Wright, New College, Edinburgh)

His work is marked by honesty, for he does not look away from their flaws. But Catherwood also shows how their lives were touched by greatness from God, for He must be the ultimate explanation for the reformers' accomplishments. Catherwood does not merely re-tell familiar facts. He opens up their meaning and relevance, so that one is drawn into the drama with effortless fascination. As I read, I was constantly making connections with our present-day situation. It was a privilege to read this book, and it is a delight to recommend it.

(Ray Ortlund)

Reading this was a joy, it was short and witty, containing enough detail to be obviously informative and well researched yet it spoke in non-academic language expressing its message easily, confidently and vividly. It was easy to be drawn into the story as the pace was quick, well structured and modern in its approach.

(CLC Book Reviews)

About this edition

• Publisher: Christian Focus Publications
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 1845505530
• ISBN 13: 9781845505530
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224