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Pierre Viret: The Angel of the Reformation
I have not finished reading this book, but it has quickly become obvious that this a biography which far surpasses the majority of books dedicated to sixteenth-century Protestant reformers. The cover photography is stunning, and inside are more full-color photographs and maps. The book itself is thoroughly researched and annotated. The main body of text is divided very coherently into four parts, and under each of the four headings, each chapter very naturally follows the next. Finally, at the end of the book, the author has given us superb additional material, including a timeline for the reformer's life and an extensive topical biography of his works. This book belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who has ever had the merest interest in the Reformation, or who loves the Reformed faith and heritage.
- GenresHistory
308 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 21, 2017
So, somehow I had never heard of Pierre Viret at all until this book was published. One of John Calvin's and William Farel's closest friends, and apparently of equal importance with them in the Swiss Reformation, I really ought to have heard of him before that. But I didn't.
Now that I've actually read the book, I'm wondering how this omission came about. Still, it's well on its way to being righted. RA Sheats has written an engaging biography of the man for modern audiences. Viret is evidently a hero of hers, and the book is unashamedly hagiographical. One expects a little more emotional distance and less partisanship from a modern biography, complete with perhaps some insights into the flaws and sins of the subject. RA Sheats doesn't at all try for this approach, but over the course of the book it became evident that Sheats is extremely well-read in the primary and secondary sources on Viret's life, as well as the man's own letters and writings. Ben Merkle once said of Alfred the Great that every now and again someone turns up in history who was just a pure and unadulterated hero, and it seems like Pierre Viret must be someone similar.
I found two things particularly inspiring about Pierre Viret. First, he was a peacemaker. He lived an extraordinarily busy life, and much of that busyness stemmed from how much in demand he was as a mediator. When William Farel could make no headway with his fiery rhetoric, Viret stepped in with loving gentleness. Consistently throughout his life even his enemies, whether Protestant or Romanist, paid tribute to his love of peace and ability to mend disputes. That's truly an unusual gift.
The second thing that intrigued me about this man was his willingness to take a stand on what he knew to be right, particularly in the realm of sphere sovereignty. Owing to the Protestant civil authorities at Basel usurping the church's authority, Viret was forced to consistently rebuke and resist them. In the process, Sheats says, he was obliged to lay the groundwork for a solid theology of the relationship between church and state.
Friends of mine rave about Viret's commentary on the Ten Commandments and his application of his faith to all of life. And after reading this book, I have to say, I'm pretty keen to read some of his own writings now.
Now that I've actually read the book, I'm wondering how this omission came about. Still, it's well on its way to being righted. RA Sheats has written an engaging biography of the man for modern audiences. Viret is evidently a hero of hers, and the book is unashamedly hagiographical. One expects a little more emotional distance and less partisanship from a modern biography, complete with perhaps some insights into the flaws and sins of the subject. RA Sheats doesn't at all try for this approach, but over the course of the book it became evident that Sheats is extremely well-read in the primary and secondary sources on Viret's life, as well as the man's own letters and writings. Ben Merkle once said of Alfred the Great that every now and again someone turns up in history who was just a pure and unadulterated hero, and it seems like Pierre Viret must be someone similar.
I found two things particularly inspiring about Pierre Viret. First, he was a peacemaker. He lived an extraordinarily busy life, and much of that busyness stemmed from how much in demand he was as a mediator. When William Farel could make no headway with his fiery rhetoric, Viret stepped in with loving gentleness. Consistently throughout his life even his enemies, whether Protestant or Romanist, paid tribute to his love of peace and ability to mend disputes. That's truly an unusual gift.
The second thing that intrigued me about this man was his willingness to take a stand on what he knew to be right, particularly in the realm of sphere sovereignty. Owing to the Protestant civil authorities at Basel usurping the church's authority, Viret was forced to consistently rebuke and resist them. In the process, Sheats says, he was obliged to lay the groundwork for a solid theology of the relationship between church and state.
Friends of mine rave about Viret's commentary on the Ten Commandments and his application of his faith to all of life. And after reading this book, I have to say, I'm pretty keen to read some of his own writings now.
February 5, 2018
A truly remarkable biography of an amazing man of God.
May 23, 2015
A most excellent book about a most humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not simply a biography about a lesser known reformer, it also includes beautiful color pictures, a poem about this reformer (a truly great poem), a bibliography of his works, as well as a riveting description of Pierre Viret and his life lived for Christ's glory and kingdom work.
I believe this is my favorite book I have read this year, by far. I want a copy for my own bookshelf now! It may even be in the baby name pool (; Seriously, a wonderfully edifying book, encouraging, convicting, and challenging in the best ways. I cannot rave about this book enough!
I believe this is my favorite book I have read this year, by far. I want a copy for my own bookshelf now! It may even be in the baby name pool (; Seriously, a wonderfully edifying book, encouraging, convicting, and challenging in the best ways. I cannot rave about this book enough!
October 14, 2015
This is probably one of the most influential and moving books I have ever read. It examines in detail the life of one remarkable man of God, that through hardship, toil and near death experiences the life of Pierre Viret shows the glory and providence of the Lord on every page, Viret truly was an instrument in the redeemers hands.
The richness and impact of Viret's life is to large to encompass in a sentence, but the fact that his life and legacy are still remembered half a millennium later bears witness to the amazing lifework of this reformer. Many precious hours I have spent reading and contemplating this book, one that will be returned to again and again.
The richness and impact of Viret's life is to large to encompass in a sentence, but the fact that his life and legacy are still remembered half a millennium later bears witness to the amazing lifework of this reformer. Many precious hours I have spent reading and contemplating this book, one that will be returned to again and again.
December 8, 2013
See review here: http://highplainsparson.wordpress.com...
March 2, 2016
Very good.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews