The English Reformation and the Puritans

by Michael Reeves

Few stories contain heroism, betrayal, ricocheting monarchs, bold stands against repressive authorities, and redemption like this one. And fewer generations have modeled commitment to the gospel and the application of Gods Word like the Puritans of England. In this 12-part series, Dr. Michael Reeves surveys Puritan theology and the work of the Holy Spirit when the Reformation flourished in England. Major milestones of this movement underscore the Puritans special place in history, as they displayed spiritual wisdom and discernment still benefiting pulpits and believers today. High-quality Audio CD.

Genres: History, Christian, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Theology, Church History, Christian History

Audiobook

Published December 18, 2014

About the author

Michael Reeves (PhD, King's College, London) is President and Professor of Theology at Union School of Theology in the UK (www.ust.ac.uk). He is Director of the European Theologians Network, and speaks and teaches regularly worldwide. Previously he has been Head of Theology for the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship and an associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place, London.

Reviews

[Jonna Ventura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most engaging read on church history I've come across. Thankful to the friend who recommended it. I listened to it and Reeves narrates it himself with passion and excitement for the topic that keeps you drawn in. If you're looking for something to spark a love for church history this is it.

[Yibbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this short series of lectures very encouraging. It was fascinating to learn about the Puritans and the world they lived in.
Prior to this book, I knew next to nothing about either Elizabethan politics or the role the Puritans played in it. Actually, I knew next to nothing about the Puritans. Beyond those that immigrated to America, I couldn’t have named one. I had a level of respect for them as fellow Christians, but I had also absorbed some of the modern, even secular, criticism of their perceived rigidity and prudishness. This book went a long way toward undoing those erroneous assumptions.
By taking the leaders of the Puritan movement and introducing them to us as individuals, while also explaining the political and social times they in which they lived, Reeves offers us a glimpse of their humanity and their overwhelming passion for God’s glory and the salvation of the lost. I found that suddenly these men lost their aloofness even their prudishness. True, they did make many mistakes, but when you begin to understand them and their times better, those mistakes are more easily understood. It becomes easier to understand that they were doing their best to live for the Lord in tumultuous, even perilous, times.
Reeves also takes the time to briefly introduce us to his favorite of the Puritan’s writings. He did an excellent job of reviewing them because now I really want to read some of them.
I think it was all so encouraging because it was the story of men desperate to please their Lord and to help others know and love Him as they do no matter what the circumstances. Even as brief as this book is, it encouraged me in my walk. Please let me recommend it. It will encourage you also.

[ValeReads Kyriosity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wonderful. Reeves loves the Puritans and the Christ they loved, and it couldn't come across any clearer. If I could hire Reeves to narrate audiobooks of all the Puritan writings, I think he'd do a better job than anyone I've yet heard. Of course I couldn't afford that, and he wouldn't have the time, so my only recourse will be to kidnap him and lock him in a recording studio till he's completed the task. One meal per hundred pages, perhaps. The suffering will heighten the fervor of his performance, I'm sure. 😉

[Ben Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an important lecture series for me. Michael Reeves brought to life the Puritans of the past and reminded me of our need today for their Christ-centered theology, in so many ways. Not only themselves and their devotion to God, but also their desire for the reforming of lives back to Biblical truths. Excellent listen for anyone looking to know and adore the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on a level deeper than most of us dare to venture to in the present age. Highly recommend.

[Ashley Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a "book" composed of a series of lectures on the subject and its excellent. Brilliant. Beautiful. Helpful. Insightful. A great starting point for anyone interested in church history or the puritans.

[Joey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series !!! Both for its historical and doxological content.

[Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Put Michael Reeves and the Puritans in a blender and you’ve got a glorious audio series. Good service to the church. The lectures on Sibbes and Owen are incredible.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad the library carries this! There's a lot of good information to be learned from these lectures.

[James T]

This is really a set of lectures repackaged as a audiobook (at various points you can hear audience laughter). It overviews the early history of the Church of England's separation from Rome, why the early Puritans thought the reforms were not enough, and how the movement eventually died out in England. Reeves focuses on Great Britain and only barely mentions the American Puritans who left England to escape oppression by the established church. This is not just a historical presentation - Reeves also discusses some of the major English Puritan thinkers and their bold presentations of the gospel of grace. Puritanism was not (always) the dungeon of legalism that it is usually portrayed as; many of the English Puritan leaders understood that we must find our assurance of salvation not in ourselves, in evaluating our outward works or anxiously navel-gazing to discern if our love for God is genuine enough, but rather in the finished work of Christ.

These lectures are only a very short overview, and much more could be said about the historical and doctrinal aspects of Puritanism, but this is a good place to start.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of church history as well as about the 16th century Tudor dynasty but this set of lectures helped pull it all together for me in a new and helpful way. Admittedly some of the theology was above my head and/or outside my own experience, but it was still fascinating to hear about the main Puritan thinkers, preachers, authors and activists of this era.

I loved this book and will listen to it again and again, as there is so much to take in. Michael Reeves writes (and speaks) very clearly, and that helped me grasp what he was communicating. Anyone interested in the Protestant Reformation would enjoy this book, as well, but this is specifically about the power shifts in England - not Britain as a whole, or Europe, which the author actually considered quite separate Reformations.

[Enoch Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent series of lectures that takes you on a brief but engaging journey through the Puritans and the Reformation! An excellent primer for this are of Church History! I could listen to Michael Reeves any day!

[Bradley Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an audio listen- love Michael Reeves' ability to take complicated things and make them relatable and clear. Great short summary and helpful introduction to many of the politics and personalities of the Reformation extended by the puritans.

[Jennifer Clauson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, informative and devotional! What a pleasure to listen to a history lecture that leaves you yearning for a closer relationship with Christ and a desire to know him more. Very accessible and easy to listen to.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully entertaining series of lecture about what the title says...Very high level and informative.

[Brandi Breezee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite interesting and enjoyable. I particularly enjoyed listening to the author read this to me.

[Lady Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging introduction. Fantastic.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! Can't say enough about Michael Reeves. He is passionate, Christ-centered, educated, and makes church history come alive!

[Paul Herriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful listen that was easily understood in a narrative. Reeves purposely didn't emphasize the dates, but focused on the main characters that led one to another. Great primer.

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reeves is great as always

[Mark Christenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reeves is an author and narrator that can craft and convey a line of story like non other. This is an overview of the English Reformation that is concise yet deep at points. Delightful.

[Reagan Vernon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about Reeves? Hearing these lectures on the English Reformation makes me proud to be protestant. Easy five stars.

[Joy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

It kind of feels like cheating to count this as a book review since I listened to the audiobook of these lectures, but it was a fun little trip through a snippet of church history.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning collection of lectures grounded in theological strength, studded with direct quotes from beautiful works, rich in history, and seasoned with a touch of humor.

[Desirae · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

As a purely religious read, it's fine, albeit riddled with historical inaccuracies.

[Wilson Porte Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

All must know The history!

[Erik Spohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provides a good foundational look at the Reformation - especially the Puritans.

[Heather Masten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow- so much church history and insight.