The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World

Stephen J. Nichols

Crossway Books, 2007 - Religion - 159 pages

Mention history and some might struggle to stifle a yawn. But when presented as a narrative it can often be compelling reading. Stephen J. Nichols takes a key period in time, the Reformation, and presents its major players in a fresh way. From Martin Luther, a simple monk who wielded the mallet, to kings and queens, this book goes behind the scenes to uncover the human side of these larger-than-life Reformers. Along the way readers meet Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Anne Bradstreet, and many others.

For those wanting to see history in its context, Nichols also provides a sampling of primary source materials. It is an engaging read that will remind readers of the foundational truths that can never be taken for granted by the church in any age. Includes numerous illustrations.

ÒDr. Nichols has done it again! HeÕs written a history book that will teach you without boring you to death. In fact, this book is fun! But more than that, this is a book that will cause you to rejoice in the Reformation and renew your commitment to the truths of the Reformation for our time. Read it! YouÕll be glad you did.Ó
Steve Brown, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida; an author and teacher on Key Life, nationally syndicated radio program

ÒBeyond merely summarizing Reformation history and teaching, Nichols draws us into the life and times of this eraÑas if the issues that inflamed an era still mattered. And they do. Read this book and youÕll be glad that the Reformation isnÕt over.Ó
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

ÒProfessor Stephen Nichols is already well-known for his remarkable ability to make history live and sing. This new work is no exception and will simply enhance his well-deserved reputation. It is a scintillating helicopter tour of the amazing menÑand wonderful womenÑof the Reformation. Here conviction joins with courage, holiness with humor, in a wonderful medley of Christian heroes and heroines.Ó
Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

What people are saying

LibraryThing Review

User Review  - ronjawdi - LibraryThing

Clear and accessible, this introduction to the reformation brings to life the complexities of that time in a compelling narrative form. For those who are not familiar with this terrain, this is a must read.

User Review  - Brandon Lucas - Christianbook.com

Kudos:Nichols' goal of making history fun hit the mark with this reader. I thoroughly enjoyed every page. For me in particular it is a refreshing change of pace from the heavy theological books I have ...

About the author

Stephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. Previously, he served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College. He is an editor (with Justin Taylor) of the Theologians on the Christian Life series and is the author of several books, including The Reformation, For Us and for Our Salvation, The Church History ABCs, and Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World
• Author: Stephen J. Nichols
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Crossway Books, 2007
• ISBN: 1581348290, 9781581348293
• Length: 159 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Christian Theology / General; Religion / Christianity / History