Pierre Viret: The Angel of the Reformation

by R.A. Sheats

This publication, undertaken in honor of the five hundredth anniversary of the birth of Pierre Viret, marks the first time of the availability of a full biography of Pierre Viret to the English speaking world. In this biography R.A. Sheats brings to light the fascinating history and life of this important early reformer of the Protestant Reformation. Also containing a detailed listing of his books, Pierre the Angel of the Reformation will be an excellent tool for researchers, scholars, and those interested in the Swiss and French Reformation. Comments on R.A. Sheats' biography of Pierre Viret "This new biography of the great French Swiss Reformer Pierre Viret is a groundbreaking venture. Not only has R.A. Sheats given is the first full (and exhaustively illustrated!) biography of Viret in English, but has achieved this feat with impeccable scholarship, making very generous use of the available sources. She has, in the manner of her great predecessor Merle d'Aubigné, entered into the very spirit of our Reformer, an achievement which she has rendered in a most engaging and attractive style." - Jean-Marc Berthoud, Historian and Theologian, Lausanne "R.A. has written a superb biography on our Swiss Reformer that is both warmhearted and scholarly. We anticipate a soon translation into French." - Daniel Bovet, President of l'Association Pierre Viret, Switzerland

Genres: Biography, History

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2018

Reviews

[Sean McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work on a Giant of the Reformation that is almost forgotten today. This biography puts Viret back in his rightful place as the “Angel of the Reformation”. Recommended.

[James Hogan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography about a man I had no idea existed before I heard about this biography at church one Sunday. One of the prominent pastors and preachers of the Reformation, Viret's name has now fallen into near-obscurity, eclipsed by the names of those whom he ministered besides (most notably Calvin). It was both incredibly interesting and encouraging to read this book about the work of God through the life of this man and in the cities in which he ministered. I confess I don't know very much about the Reformation in Switzerland and France, and this biography helped fill in some of that gap. Serviceably written, this biography is one I'm most grateful I read. Viret was a man used of God, courageous and bold during a time when many ministers were being executed for their beliefs and practices. He did not back down from following the will and commands of God, even when they clashed with the will of the state (Protestant as well as Catholic!) It was interesting reading the impact of the civil authorities on the church, for it was widely believed during this time that the state had both the obligation and authority to legislate and judicate religious matters and disputes. Viret stood strong for the role of the church to be the final authority in matters relating to the practice of the faith, though he didn't shy away from taking advantage of the freedom afforded him when living in a Protestant state. These were very different times than those in which we now live, to be sure.

So many ministers and preachers of the day were often virulently argumentative and seeking only to win the day for their side, and Viret stands out as one who was a peacemaker, seeking to reconcile and extend grace as far as he was able. He did not compromise on matters of faith, but he sought to not go beyond the strictures of Scripture, humbly seeking to love his neighbor just as much as he firmly preached the gospel in season and out of season. Even when sick and downcast, this man held to his path, ministering to so many different cities to the very end of his life. It was fascinating seeing how many cities clamored for him to be their minister! It was known that this was a man of God. Quite glad I read this one!

[Rivers Houseal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellently written—engaging, elegant, and easy to read.

And as for Viret himself, I’ve never read of another man like him. He was truly a gift from God to the Church, and it’s to our detriment if we ignore or forget his legacy.

[David Hacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent biography of a little-known reformer with a pastoral heart.