Reformation Readings

[The Calvinistic Methodist]

So, I just read RC Sprouls “Luther and The Reformation” and it was my first time exploring the events of the reformation and life of Luther. I enjoyed learning about the issues as they came up in history. Additionally, I enjoyed RC’s treatment on comparing justification as the Catholics see it to how Protestants see it!
Additionally, I have moved on to “Luther in Real time” podcast by Ligoneer. This is helping to add depth to my understanding by filling in some of the gaps & providing more detail than RC’s book did.

I am doing all of this in my free time as an MDIV student, so I am gravitating to lighter/shorter reads.

Where should I go next? I have an interest in learning more about Calvin’s life story, Zwingli’s, or really anything remotely similar to the above mentioned media!

What do you guys think? Looking for:

1) Fun/interesting facts about Martin Luther and the reformers

2) An analysis on how Luther’s view of justification differs from double determination & how he saw baptism

3) Book recommendations or podcasts/teachings that are similar to what I’ve mentioned (brief easy reads since they will be read with an already tired mind)

 

[RamistThomist]

Dive into primary sources. The following are excellent:
Martin Bucer, De Regno Christi. https://tentsofshem.wordpress.com/2018/06/25/de-regno-Christ-review-bucer/

Peter Martyr Vermigli, any of his works, though you might find the one on predestination interesting. (probably find it cheaper on amazon)

Peter Martyr Vermigli Volume Eight

How does a gracious God save stubborn sinners? We cannot answer this question without delving into two of the most challenging and hard-fought doctrines in Christian theology: predestination and justification. Both doctrines played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation, provoking...

davenantinstitute.org

Avis, Church in the Theolog of the Reformation. Best book on the church I have ever read.

The Church in the Theology of the Reformers (Avis)

Avis, Paul D. L. The Church in the Theology of the Reformers. Atlanta, GA: John Knox Press, 1981. This is not a full review. I think it is better served by highlighting the political gains an…

tentsofshem.wordpress.com

Diarmaid MacCollough (sp?). He is somewhat liberal, but he has a fine book on the Reformation. It provides good balance, since many of our retellings of the Reformation read like "Fairy Tales for Reformers."

 

[Theoretical]

Especially since you're studying for the ministry, Bucer's Concerning the True Care of Souls is pretty short and deeply insightful as one of the first guides to pastoral care written by a 1st generation Reformer:

Concerning the True Care of Souls

<p>Sets out, in a vivid and persuasive way, biblical principles for church life, ministry and discipline. First English translation by Peter Beale. 256pp.</p>

banneroftruth.org

Notably, he did still view formal Penance as a 3rd sacrament of sorts (or maybe more like a half - my memory is a bit fuzzy), but even that take is worth a read. It's a very wise book that was written almost 500 years ago.

Regarding Luther, Roland Bainton's biography, Here I Stand is excellent. https://store.ligonier.org/here-i-stand-a-life-of-martin-luther-paperback. One thing to be aware of is that almost all versions I've encountered do have some significant 2nd commandment violations in the form of drawings of various Lucas Cranach artwork that was an important part of the early Lutheran Reformation.

Nick Needham's church history series is exceptional as an overview, and importantly is organized chronologically so that what's happening in one part of the world in X period gets covered at the same time as what's happening elsewhere. Volume 3 is the one on the Reformation.

Jacob's readings and recommendations are far deeper than mine, so you couldn't ask for a better first response.

 

[Ben_Leevey]

You might delve into the Moravians, an interesting group of brethren. Here's a pretty thorough history:
Book One
Book Two