Die Stunde des Thomas Morus - Einer gegen die Macht

by Peter Berglar

Peter Berglars Werk kommt zurecht. Nicht bloß zum 500. Geburtstag Mores, nicht bloß, weil es seit langem seine erste vollgültige Biographie ist, obendrein aus der Feder eines Deutschen; auch in dem Sinn, in dem jedes intensiv und mit leidenschaftlicher Anteilnahme gearbeitete Geschichtswerk zur rechten Zeit kommt und die Gegenwärtigkeit aller Geschichte erweist. >Die Stunde des Thomas Morus< war, was man Zeitenwende, Umbruch, Krise nennt: die Neue Welt in Übersee, der neue, der souveräne, rationale und zentralistische Staat, die endgültige Spaltung des Christentums. Daran wurde so mancher mächtig, froh und fett, zum Beispiel König Heinrich der Achte von England. Daran ginge andere zugrunde, zum Beispiel sein Lordkanzler, Sir Thomas More. Er ging in dieser Welt daran zugrunde, weil er an eine andere glaubte und an Gerechtigkeit dort; weil er seinen katholischen Glauben nicht verraten wollte und die Ewigkeit über einige wenige Jahre längeren Lebens auf Erden setzte. Eine tragische Geschichte und, wie es im Wesen der Tragödie liegt, in ihrem Fortgang für den Leser voraussehbar. (...) Man hätte diesen Hergang nicht gerechter, feinfühliger für Nuancen, lebensnäher erzählen können, als es Berglar gelang. (Golo Mann) Vielleicht das ergreifendste Buch von Peter Berglar. Ein ideales Geschenk.

Genres: Religion, Biography

397 pages

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Sebastián Morales Arcelus · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no question that this book was made with tremendous dedication and study by the author. From a historical or bibliographical standpoint my rating would be 5/5.

However, I would have expected for the narrative to be more engaging. The book has so much information (which confirms the great job done by the author) that it often feels more like a source book rather than a book you would both like to enjoy and learn from in your free time. Hence my final rating (4/5).

As a final comment, I was truly amazed by the life of Thomas More who surely is an example as both human being and profesionist. Also, his conviction and faith in God does make you wonder and reflect on the existence of God, even as an atheist or non believer. The conviction behind Thomas' decisions and actions, and congruence between his mind and reality, does leave one thinking about the influence of God in ones life, if one's willing to receive it (not saying this is my case).

[Eric W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting work is a biography of Saint Thomas Moore with a distinctly Christian perspective. Unlike a conventional, chronological biography, the book confronts the reader with several important questions: for what is life not worth living? When does one's conscience -- in this case, one's Christian faith -- require one to refuse submission to the will of the state? The book also takes special care to explain the the larger political environment, as well the state of Christian thought, with an emphasis on Erasmus. Berglar also introduces the reader to More's most important works, especially those that shed light on his actions with regard to the the king's "great matter," i.e., whether Henry could annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, as well as the surrounding political and religious questions.

The book is more thoughtful and more worthwhile than a conventional biography, and, for most Christians, probably more rewarding.

[Jake Justen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of information about St. Thomas More, the contemporary protestant revolt, contemporary culture, and the English monarch. A lot of information, especially for only being about 200 pages. While heavy on detail, though, the book is rather light on a narrative flow. Still, this is a good book to read in Adoration and contemplate the saint's life and martyrdom.

[Hector Vela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author of great erudition, well written book

Peter Berglar shows More’s life with great detail based on both his deeds and his writings, the result is a picture of More that is seen as More himself. Great work!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable history of time Sir Thomas' life, character and conviction.