Reformation Heroes

Reformation Heroes #1-2

by Diana Kleyn, Joel R. Beeke

The Reformation did not happen instantaneously; it was something God patiently arranged over a number of years. As you read this book, you will learn how the Lord used some people to plant the seeds of church reform long before October 31, 1517, when Martin Luther published his ninety-five theses. Luther's story is well-known; we trust you will find it interesting and instructive to read about him and about forty others (John Knox, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Zacharias Ursinus, Willem Teellinck, etc.) who contributed to the Reformation - some well known and others not so - most of whom are Reformation heroes. To provide a more full picture of the many sided Reformation, chapters are also included on the Anabaptist and Counter Reformation movements. The book concludes with a brief summary of the influence of the Reformation in different areas of life. Table of
1. Peter Waldo (c.1140-c.1217)
2. John Wycliffe (c.1324-1384)
3. Anne of Bohemia, Queen of Richard II (1366-1394)
4. John Huss (1372-1415)
5. Martin Luther (1483-1546)
6. Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560)
7. The Protest at Speyer (1529)
8. Martin Bucer (1491-1551)
9. Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
10. Heinrich Bullinger (1504-1575)
11. William Tyndale (c.1494-1536)
12. King Edward VI (1537-1553)
13. Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)
14. Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley
Part Hugh Latimer (c.1485-1555)
Part Nicholas Ridley (1500-1555)
15. John Foxe (1517-1587)
16. John Knox (c.1514-1572)
17. Guido de Brès (1522-1567)
18. The Heidelberg Catechism
Part Caspar Olevianus (1536-1587)
Part Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1583)
Part Frederick III (1516-1576)
Part The Heidelberg Catechism (1563)
19. Peter Martyr Vermigli (1499-1562)
20. John Calvin (1509-1564)
21. Theodore Beza (1519-1605)
22. Jan aski (1499-1560)
23. The Duke of Alva and William, Prince of Orange
Part The Duke of Alva (1507-1582)
Part William, Prince of Orange (1533-1584)
24. Petrus Dathenus (1531-1588)
25. Queen Marguerite of Navarre (1492-1548)
26. Queen Jeanne d'Albret of Navarre (1528-1572)
27. Admiral Coligny (1519-1572) and the Tragedy of St. Bartholomew's Day (August 24, 1572)
28. Charlotte, the Nun of Jouarre (c.1550-1582)
29. William Perkins (1558-1602)
30. William Ames (1576-1633)
31. William Teellinck (1579-1629)
32. The Anabaptists
Konrad Grebel (1498-1526)
Felix Manz (c. 1500-1527)
Ludwig Hatzer (c. 1500-1529)
Georg Blaurock (c.1492-1529)
Thomas Muntzer (c. 1489-1525)
Jan Mattijs (d. 1534)
Jan Beukelssen (d. 1535)
Melchior Hoffmann (1498-1543)
Jakob Hutter (d. 1536)
Balthasar Hubmaier (c. 1485-1528)
Menno Simons (1496-1561) 33. The Counter Reformation
34. The Influence of the Reformation
Appendix Countries and Areas Impacted by the Reformation
Appendix Kings and Queens of England and Scotland
Appendix Cambridge University
Appendix Oxford University

Genres: History, Biography, Church History, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Childrens

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Diana Kleyn is a member of the Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is the mother of three children, and has a heart for helping children understand and embrace the truths of God's Word. She writes monthly for the children's section in The Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth magazine, and is co-author with Joel R. Beeke of the series Building on the Rock.

Reviews

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple and yet informative look at the Reformation and its influence as well as the importance of its theology. Lots of very good accounts of individuals I was unfamiliar with, as well as some good reminders from those I was familiar with. I read this to the kids over the last year's worth of Sunday mornings.

[Rachel Svendsen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate what they were trying to do here, but this book annoyed me. Not just because it was poorly written and had clear doctrinal leanings that influenced its composition. No, the worst part was that I found historical inaccuracies dotted all the way through. Each one I heard made me question the validity of anything I learned while reading it. I definitely question their research on both John Calvin and William Tyndale.

[Josh Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is geared towards a young audience, but I think adults would be helped as well. The book's format follows a summary of each Reformer's life, followed by several pictures. At the end, there is a set of questions for personal reflection and application.

Highly recommend if you want to get a quick, descriptive overview of the Reformation and have no formal church history background (like me).

[Mathew Nix · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was rather dry and surface level overview of the key figures of the Reformation. It was not nearly as well written as other biographical works I've read like this, but if you just want a quick and easy overview of these people, this may be perfect for you. If you prefer a more in depth study, look elsewhere.

[Cyndi Cross · Rating 4 out of 5]

It *was* rather dry ... But still gave a comprehensive listing of those responsible for the Reformation movement (leading up to Martin Luther). Written in much easier to understand English, for any novice who wants to learn about the Reformaion of Christianity.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

My elementary-aged kids generally enjoyed this collection of stories of many well-known and lesser-known figures from the Reformation period. It does pretty well in describing the issues and people involved from a Protestant perspective.

[Peter Krol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for my kids on Mark Dever's recommendation. They enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. Not the best-written history I've come across, but surprisingly thorough.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been great to slowly read through with our boys. We're learning together and having great conversations about these men and women who sacrificed so much for their faith.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading about true men of faith alongside my children.

[Justin Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic overview of those who paved the way before our time. Praise God for these men.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of the major figures from the Reformation.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful book full of information about the people as well as the historical and spiritual forces that shaped the period of the Reformation.

While the authors occasionally stray into moralistic pronouncements (some of which I agree with and some of which I don't), overall, the writing is well done. They don't feel a need to limit themselves to a consistent length for each person, and this provides flexibility to focus on the story instead of the form.

Not only was this a great book to read with our student, but it provides a beautiful, palatable taste of our homeschooling endeavor for parents, friends and grandparents. Highly recommend for a more detailed look. This is a homeschool library keeper.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another recommendation from Dr. Beeke when we met him at a Reformed Conference. He suggested this as a means of introducing the Reformers to our sons (11 & 12) & we were so glad we bought this book. We used it for family devotions over a period of several months, reading about a reformer & the discussing their lives & the implications of their faith & trusting in Christ. Our boys learned so much about the cost of being a true Christian & we as parents learned about so many names we'd never heard of & the integral parts they played to bring us where we are today. Great book to share with the entire family!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profiles several Reformation Heroes. It's somewhat of a coffee table style book. You can pick it up, read about one of the Reformers, then pick it up later with a different one. They are connected together with history, but you don't have to read them in order.

[Julia Forrester · Rating 5 out of 5]

We bought this for the kids, but I'm enjoying reading about the reformation heroes myself. Probably best for kids 8+, but even our 4 and 2 year old enjoy hearing bits out of the book.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on the men and women of the Reformation - written for ages 10 and up. But a great book for adults as it is not "dumbed down" or written in a childish manner.