The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation
Burning pyres, nuns on the run, stirring courage, and comic relief: the Protestant Reformation is a gripping tale, packed with drama. But what motivated the Reformers? And what were they really like?
The Unquenchable Flame, a lively, accessible, and fully informative introduction to the Reformation by Michael Reeves, brings to life the movement’s most colorful characters (Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, The Puritans, etc.), examines their ideas, and shows the profound and personal relevance of Reformation thinking for today.
Also included are a lengthy Reformation timeline, a map of key places in the Reformation, further reading suggestions, and, in this U.S. edition, a new foreword by 9 Marks Ministries president Mark Dever.
Top Highlights
“Without Father Pope there could be no Church; without Mother Church there could be no salvation.” (source)
“But with the inauguration of two popes in 1378, Wycliffe began publicly to identify the Bible, and not the pope, as the supreme source of spiritual authority. The papacy, he argued, was merely a human invention, whereas the Bible authoritatively determined the validity of all religious beliefs and practices. On this basis he rejected the highly philosophical doctrine of transubstantiation.” (source)
“Luther attacked by arguing that there is no distinction between clergy and laity, meaning that the pope’s claims were unfounded and that every Christian has the right to interpret Scripture and to call a council to reform the church.” (source)
“cross was no longer about sin being dealt with and forgiveness achieved. It was a simple, if moving, martyrdom” (source)
“seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, the Mass, penance, marriage, ordination and last rites” (source)
Product Details
- Title : The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation
- Authors:
- Reeves, Michael
- Dever, Mark
- Publisher: B&H Academic
- Publication Date: 2010
- ISBN: 9781433671456
Michael Reeves is theological advisor for Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF), a charity supporting evangelism in higher education throughout the United Kingdom. He was previously associate minister at All Souls Church, Langham Place and holds a doctorate in systematic theology from King’s College London.