The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology

Cambridge Companions to Religion

by David V.N. Bagchi (Editor), David C. Steinmetz (Editor)

Each chapter in this Companion includes an up-to-date account and analysis of the thought associated with a major Reformation theology figure or movement. The book also focuses on lesser reformers such as Martin Bucer, and on the Catholic and Radical Reformations, as well as the major Protestant reformers.

Genres: Theology, Church History, Nonfiction, Christianity

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 18, 2004

Reviews

[Wynda Macleod · Rating 3 out of 5]

Along with their 'Companion' books on John Calvin and Martin Luther, I found this book extremely useful in navigating my way through some of the ins-and-outs of Reformed thinkers. While some of the essays seem to cover more of what pieces a Reformer wrote, rather than what they actually argued, even these were useful in finding a convenient index of influential but less-known pieces.

This book is introductory, and certainly no replacement for a reading of the Reformers and instruction from church organizations, but for a good treatment of the basic theological developments of the Reformation it's very handy. This book also *specifically* deals with theology, and does not delve into the histories or biographies, which I liked, because it is far easier to find the latter than the former.

I consider myself a radical Presbyterian (Calvinistic), and usually have plenty to bitch about when it comes to secular treatments of Puritanism. For the most part this book is free of the academic axe grinding so common in 'Low-Church' Anglican education.

[Benjamin Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series of fascinating essays giving an overview of the reformation. Unfortunately It seemed like at least a few of the essays were aimed more at giving a catalogue of the works written by famous reformers rather than explaining what those reformers taught. That being said, from beginning to end this collection is filled with fascinating insights in the developments of modern scholarship on the Reformation. Of course, the major of these being the strong connection discovered between late medieval theological developments and the doctrinal systems shaped by men like Luther, Zwingli, Bucer and Calvin. Overall a book well worth reading!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction to the theology of the reformation. Not a history of the reformation; it deals specifically with theology. Best used as a resource or after a person already has a working knowlege of the reformation in general.