Over the past twenty years, new approaches to the history of the Reformation of the Church have radically altered our understanding of that event within its broadest social and cultural context. In this classic study R. W. Scribner provided a synthesis of the main research, with a special emphasis on the German Reformation, and presented his own interpretation of the period.

Paying particular attention to the social history of the broader religious movements of the German Reformation, Scribner examined those elements of popular culture and belief which are now seen to have played a central role in shaping the development and outcome of the movements for reform in the sixteenth century. Scribner concluded that 'the Reformation', as it came to be known, was only one of a wide range of responses to the problem of religious reform and revival, and suggested that the movement as a whole was less successful than previously claimed.

In the second edition of this invaluable text, C. Scott Dixon's new Introduction, supplementary chapter and bibliography continue Scribner's original lines of inquiry, and provide additional commentary on developments within German Reformation scholarship over the sixteen years since its first publication.

A concise and readable guide to recent approaches to the history of the German Reformation
Pays special attention to the social history of the broader religious movements of the Reformation in Germany
Now includes a new Introduction, Supplementary Chapter and a Supplementary Bibliography by C. Scott Dixon

Autorentext
R. W. SCRIBNER was Professor of Modern European Christianity in the Divinity School at Harvard University, USA, until his death in 1998.

Inhalt

Editor's Preface.- Introduction.- Introduction to the Second Edition.- A Note on References.- Some Reformation Myths.- Religion and Reform.- The Reformation as an Evangelical Movement.- Social Location of the Reformation.- Politics and the Reformation.- Varieties of Reformation.- The Impact of Reform.- Supplementary Chapter; C.S.Dixon.- Select Bibliography.- Supplementary Bibliography.- Index.