books
the reformation a very short introduction
the reformation was a seismic event in european history one which left an indelible mark on the modern world . in this very short introduction peter marshall illuminates the causes and consequences of this pivotal movement in western christianity . the reformation began as an argument about what christians needed to do to be saved but rapidly engulfed society in a series of fundamental changes . this book provides a lively and up to date guide that explains doctrinal debates in a clear and non technical way but also explores the effects the reformation had on politics society art and minorities . marshall argues that the reformation was not a solely european phenomenon but that varieties of faith exported from europe transformed christianity into a truly world religion . the complex legacy of the reformation is also assessed . its religious fervor produced remarkable stories of sanctity and heroism and some extraordinary artistic achievements . but violence holy war and martyrdom were equally its products . a paradox of the reformation that it intensified intolerance while establishing pluralism is one we still wrestle with today .
paperback oxford university press usa 2009 isbn13 9780199231317 isbn10 0199231311
abridged n isbn 13 9780199231317 number in series 1 number of pages 153 publisher oxford univ pr release date 62135769600000 series title very short introductions