The Reformers and Puritans as Spiritual Mentors: Hope Is Kindled

by Michael A.G. Haykin

Historian Michael Haykin examines the lives of such Reformers as William Tyndale, Thomas Cranmer and John Calvin to see how their display of the light of the gospel in their day provides us with a "usable past"-models of Christian conviction and living who can speak into our lives today. Born in a time of spiritual darkness, they model what reformation involves for church and a deep commitment to God's Word as the vehicle of renewal, a willingness to die for the gospel and a rock-solid commitment to the triune God. As a reminder that at the heart of the Reformation was a confessional Christianity, an essay on two Reformation confessions is also included. The Puritan figures who are studied are Richard Greenham, Oliver Cromwell, John Owen, Richard Baxter and his wife Margaret, and John Bunyan. In addition, a study of the translation of the King James Bible (KJB) reminds us that the Puritans, like the Reformers, were Word-saturated men and women-may we be as well.

Genres: Church History

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 20, 2012

About the author

Dr. Michael A.G. Haykin is the Professor of Church History and Biblical Spirituality and Director of The Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He is also the editor of Eusebeia: The Bulletin of The Andrew Fuller Center for Baptist Studies. His present areas of research include 18th-century British Baptist life and thought, as well as Patristic Trinitarianism and Baptist piety.

Haykin is a prolific writer having authored numerous books, over 250 articles and over 150 book reviews. He is also an accomplished editor with numerous editorial credits.

Reviews

[Seth Woodley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short volume provides brief portraits of significant Reformers and Puritans, and it helps us see what we can learn from these historical figures. This is a simple and helpful introduction to 16th-17th-century church history while giving some practical help for believers today, including prayer, marriage, and preaching.

[Bruce Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Michael Haykin's first volume in "The Christian Mentor" series to be a wonderful review and evaluation of the early church fathers. However, this volume, number two in the series, covering the Reformers and the Puritans, in my opinion, exceeds volume 1 in all of its aspects. Haykin, who I always find to be informative and an interesting read, has outdone himself with this volume.

Following an introductory chapter giving us an overview of the historical context, the author provides us with individual chapters on ten Reformers and Puritans. Within each, he gives a brief biographical account of the individual's life then shares with us one or more of that person's contributions to the faith. Haykin then adds a final chapter to summarize the entire volume.

Some of the historical figures outlined in the book are Reformers William Tyndale, Thomas Cranmer, and John Knox. Also included are chapters on such Puritans as Oliver Cromwell, John Owen, and John Bunyan. My favorite chapter was on the marriage of Richard Baxter and Margaret Charlton, one which should be required reading for pending future Christian marriages.

This is an excellent work, a joy to read, if you are interested in Christian history and the contributions of our forefathers.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short book is an introduction to some Reformers and Puritans who, by virtue of their lives and character, are examples to Christians today. Each chapter provides a survey of an individual or event and, as such, provides a good introduction to them. The interested reader can go further in study based on the extensive notes for each chapter. While the book provides helpful introductions it is less clear how these individuals are "spiritual mentors" in any meaningful sense. Certainly, we can learn from the individuals presented in this book but to use the term "mentors" may extended the use of the term beyond what is appropriate.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Haykin provides an overview of the Reformers and Puritans. Yet so much has been exhausted on both groups. What Haykin actually does , aside from being up some lesser discussed topics ( like marriage ) and some of the names sometimes overlooked. It provides a great surgery and starting point for anyone wanting to study either group, but especially the Puritans. Rather than portray them as a golden generation, he shows how they dealt with the trials of their time. They are an example to follow as we deal with the struggles of our time .

[GreatHeart Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoroughly researched and faith-filled primer

Haykin writes a a thoroughly researched and faith-filled primer on the spirituality of the Reformers and Puritans. He picks a great selection of Reformers and Puritans to frame and carry the narrative power of the book. I recommend this book.

[Jordan Shelvock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of essays that give a quick glimpse into many reformers and puritans. Included most of the usual suspects, and a few that were new-to-me.

[Caleb Nedimyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always encouraging to read about the Reformers and Puritans. The heart of man has not changed and the Word of God stands firm though the world continue to war against it and the people of the book.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good short introduction to the lives of key Reformers and Puritans. Haykin is a gifted scholar. These sketches are a brief, but good for their intended purpose.