Why read Reformation Unbound?

Book cover of Reformation Unbound: Protestant Visions of Reform in England, 1525–1590

Book description

Fundamentally revising our understanding of the nature and intellectual contours of early English Protestantism, Karl Gunther argues that sixteenth-century English evangelicals were calling for reforms and envisioning godly life in ways that were far more radical than have hitherto been appreciated. Typically such ideas have been seen as later historical…

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European history

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Why read it?

1 author picked Reformation Unbound as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Derek Wilson

Author

This incisive account of the development of Protestant extremism reveals that the beliefs of the Pilgrims were not novel. Dr Gunther traces their development back to the early years of the Reformation. When the religion of images and priests was replaced by the religion of words and preachers the implications for the English church could only be extensive and devastating. When the Bible was translated into the vernacular and increasing numbers of Christians read it for themselves it is clear (though only in hindsight) that the centre could not hold. People were driven by conscience to oppose, not only their…

From Derek's list on the background of the Pilgrim fathers.