The European Reformation


Product Description
This book is a survey and analysis of the European Reformation of the sixteenth century. During this period western Christianity underwent the most dramatic changes in its entire history. From Iceland to Transylvania, from the Baltic to the Pyrenees, the Reformation divided churches and communities into 'Catholic' and 'Protestant', and created varying regional and national traditions. The new Protestant creed rejected traditional measures of piety--vows, penances, pardons, and masses--in favor of sermons and catechisms, and an everyday morality of diligence, neighborly charity, and prayer. In the process, it involved many of Europe's people for the first time in a political movement inspired by an ideology and nourished by mass communication. Using the most recent research, Cameron provides a thematic and narrative synthesis of the events and ideas of the Reformation. He examines its social and religious background, its teachers and their message, and explores its impact on contemporary society.The European Reformation Review
"The Reformation", by Euan Cameron is a book presenting his thesis for the start of this period of religious and social upheaval. His aim is to give the background and the causes for the reformation and the perhaps even draw conclusions upon the outcome of 'modern' Europe.Cameron claims the backing of two schools, the socio-economic and the history ideas in forming this book. While he says that the two seperate have many of their own strengths he also points out that they have their faults. In the face of this he combines the ideas and approaches of both schools in this book. The Reformation by starts with a classical introduction of the popular piety during the late middles ages. The two positions, that the period before the Reformation was characterised by an increased secularisation of society. That religion was an important factor in the lives of the people and that they actually great in their respect for the church. He draws the best points of both arguments and concludes the first chapter with a new thesis somewhat combining the old and also bringing in new aspects.This is the process which Cameron proceeds throughout the book. Taking opposing views and resolving them to make the picture fit within his story. He starts with the background of the reformation, society, history, etc. Then Reformers and their messages are discussed with the same counter-argumentation scheme. In his third section he presents the establishment of the reformation churches, again with arguments by different historians concerning the coalition between the politicians and theologians. And finally he conculudes with a discussion of the frustration of late reformers and the second generation of reformers.What can be seen in this book is that the reformation is a complex and involved event. There seems to be no one correct approach which will solve all the questions. It is rather a conglomerated mixture. With particulars unique to this time, special in the criticisms that it raised and the history that is sprung from.Cameron's book is a good compilation of the ideas and arguments of the reformation. It provides a good summary of the events and peoples. His style is fluid and easy to follow. A very enlightening and useful read. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you?�Yes No Report abuse | PermalinkComment�CommentMost of the consumer Reviews tell that the "The European Reformation" are high quality item. You can read each testimony from consumers to find out cons and pros from The European Reformation ...

No comments:
Post a Comment