This readable; accessible narrative story of the Protestant Reformation is written for lay audiences. It is part of the popular Westminster John Knox Press Armchair series and is illustrated with memorable cartoons by Ron Hill. The chapters of the book are suitable for use in church adult education settings to provide a solid grounding in the history of the Reformation and its leading ideas. Questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading provided for each chapter make this book great for group study. Since the Protestant Reformation is such a formative event in the lives of churches; it is important to have an accessible resource to tell its story available for laypersons in all denominations.Written by experts but designed for the nonexpert; the Armchair series provides accurate; concise; and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are an essential supplement for first-time encounters with primary texts; a lucid refresher for scholars and clergy; and an enjoyable read for the theologically curious.
#756226 in Books Wiley-Blackwell 2002-07-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .80 x 6.02l; .97 #File Name: 0631230238290 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Overview of the why; who; and resultsBy R. W. LevesqueThomas Madden has brought together a series of articles that address three major elements of discussion: the definition of the crusades; who went on crusade; and the impact of the crusades on the east.The first section; “What Were the Crusades?†has five papers that examine how the concept should be defined. Keeping in mind the original crusaders did not use the term themselves; the first article looks at Pope Urban II’s preaching of the first crusade and examines what he said and what was his intent. There are several accounts of the Pope’s message at the Council of Clermont; but no transcript. This means we do not accurately know whether the Pope’s goal was to support the Eastern Church; protect the region’s Christians; or to take Jerusalem. But certainly the reality is; no matter the intent; Jerusalem became the goal for those who went on crusade. The other articles look at “Crusading as an Act of Love;†the “Reconquest and Crusade in Spain;†Crusades Against Christians: Their Origins and Early Development; c. 1000-1216;†and; “Were There any Crusades in the Twelfth Century?†The bottom line is that what was and what was not a crusade is not as clear cut as popularly believed.In Part II; “Who Were the Crusaders?†a variety of historians look at charters as a source of information on who and why people went on crusade; the costs of crusading; lay enthusiasm for the First Crusade; and patronage as a factor. Again; the reasons people went on crusade; or pilgrimages to Jerusalem before the term crusade was invented; were varied. Overall the articles lead to the generalization that; although some went for selfish reasons; the majority was driven by a religious devotion or calling; an idea today’s secular culture has a hard time understanding.The last part of the book reviews the impact the crusades in the Middle East had on Byzantium; how contemporary Syrian Muslims reacted; and how Muslims lived under Frankish rule. These last few articles look at a little examined aspect of the crusades from a contemporary standpoint.If you’re a student of the crusades you will want to read this book. The religious and philosophical issues surrounding the crusades; particularly as they apply to the crusades in the east; provide a depth and context often left out of conventional histories of the period; and help us to better understand what happened.1 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Crusades:Essential ReadingsBy Brian D. McSpaddenThis book was a lifesaver for the research paper I wrote for Church History. It was in excellent condition. I definitiely reccomend this book!!
