The Essence of the Reformation by Kirsten Birkett

The Reformation of the Church in the 1500’s in Europe is a very broad topic, with a great many aspects to it. I found that Kirsten Birkett’s The Essence of the Reformation to be a very insightful book regarding the events that lead to the Reformation, what happened in which countries in Europe prior to and during the Reformation and then lastly, the issues of doctrine and how the Church responded to these issues and how the issues of doctrine fueled the movement of the Reformation.

The book was very good at laying the groundwork for the events that took place in the Church, including Church teaching, etc, leading up the Reformation and why these things that took place started to call for a change in the church. The book then wrote about the events simultaneously taking place across Europe; however these events were written about in a very organized fashion that helped one to separate what was going on and give foresight into how everything tied together. The book then concluded with the issues of doctrine, as brought up by Luther, Calvin, Cramner and others. I had never fully considered how the issues of doctrine affected the Church back then and the way people Believed, and even the impact that doctrine has now on the Church. At the end of the book are various writings by Luther, Calvin and Cranmer where the reader can read what they wrote themselves and see how it played into the picture of the Reformation and the basis for the formation of modern Protestantism.

I really liked how the book was laid out in its’ organized fashion. The book also made me think, and rethink, my views on the importance of doctrine, in the Church, and in one’s own belief system. That, in and of itself, makes this book a great book. I would recommend this book to any Christian and Catholic and any person interested in the history of the Church. I give it four out of five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”