The European Reformations

Derived from a lifetime of engagement with issues in Early Modern European history and written in an eminently readable style, Professor Lindberg's The European Reformations will open up to student and scholar alike the fascinating world of the sixteenth century. Not only does Lindberg place the religious movements of the time in their political and, especially, social context, but his knowledge of the theological debates provides the reader with succinct, clear explanations of the theological substance that gave rise to the great variety of the age's 'Reformations'. Timothy J. Wengert, The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia Carter Lindberg has written a compelling narrative regarding the emergence and development of the various 'Reformations' of the sixteenth century. Lindberg gives a compelling viewing of the Reformations primarily from a theological and religious perspective, in concert with others like Heiko Oberman and Brad Gregory, even as he enriches this perspective with the contributions of social historians. Lindberg does especially well in focusing on the reform of the liturgy from 'the cult of the living in the service of the dead' designed to free departed loved ones from Purgatory, to a form of worship that led directly to the service of the living, especially the sick, the poor, and the needy. He also shows how the reform movements were strengthened and spread by the singing of hymns and psalms by the women and men who joined these movements. This is an insightful and cogent analysis of the complex of movements we call the 'Reformations' of the sixteenth century. Randall Zachman, University of Notre Dame