Reformation and Society

"Reformation and Society" begins as a study of the leaders and the reformation movements in countries like Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Britain to name a few.The Hussites, Thomas Cromwell, Stephen Gardiner, and William Tyndale are some of the notable sceptics of the papacy. Of course A.G. Dickens devotes more time to covering the better known trio of Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin. The book examines some of the causes of the Reformation and the importance of universities and the printing press in fueling the reformation. A look at the societies of Luther's Germany and other countries involved in varying degrees to the movement. The influence that Thomas Wyttenbach had on Zwingli was interesting as was the failed attempt by Philip of Hesse to reconcile Luther and Zwingli. While the leaders of the Reformation had a common opponent in the Catholic church, their views were anything but universal. The author descibed the different beliefs of various sects of Anabaptism and their suffering at the hands of both Catholics and Protestants. "Reformation and Society" was a useful read on the Reformation and it's effects on a number of countries and societies. The squabbles over different viewpoints such as the view of communion in relation to Christ's physical body. Various views on spiritualism were also examined. Overall an educational book well worth reading.