The Reformation by Andrew Atherstone

The sixteenth century was marked by violent conflicts, terrible persecutions and fierce theological battles. In his book “The Reformation: Faith & Flames”, Andrew Atherstone leads the reader through the dramatic time of the Reformation. He begins by setting forth the historical setting of the Renaissance and the humanist philosophy of going “back to the sources”, which led intellectuals all over Europe to study the Bible in its original languages. Among these, some came to the conclusion that the Church of their time erred and had departed from the Gospel. Soon a movement calling for reform was born. Atherstone gives an overview of the Reformation in various European countries, introducing its key figures, explaining the political backgrounds and making the reader familiar with the different wings of Protestantism. In doing so he keeps the book well balanced: it is both informative as well as vivid, it describes the historic-political conflicts without neglecting the underlying theological positions and, while being simple to understand, it is not simplistic. The richly illustrated book makes history come alive and is highly recommended for anyone who wants to know more about the era that changed the church and the world up to the present day.

The Reformation: Faith and Flames. Andrew Atherstone. Oxford: LionHudson, 2011. 192 pp. Around 21 €