The Reformation for Armchair Theologians

Armchair Theologians

by Glenn S. Sunshine

This readable, accessible narrative story of the Protestant Reformation is written for lay audiences. It is part of the popular Westminster John Knox Press Armchair series and is illustrated with memorable cartoons by Ron Hill. The chapters of the book are suitable for use in church adult education settings to provide a solid grounding in the history of the Reformation and its leading ideas. Questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading provided for each chapter make this book great for group study. Since the Protestant Reformation is such a formative event in the lives of churches, it is important to have an accessible resource to tell its story available for laypersons in all denominations. Written by experts but designed for the nonexpert, the Armchair series provides accurate, concise, and witty overviews of some of the most profound moments and theologians in Christian history. These books are an essential supplement for first-time encounters with primary texts, a lucid refresher for scholars and clergy, and an enjoyable read for the theologically curious.

Genres: History, Theology, Christian, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Church History, Religion

256 pages, Paperback

First published March 22, 2005

Reviews

[Austin Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read. Sunshine—a Protestant—doesn’t make this a diatribe against Rome. A balanced and fairly unbiased recounting of the historical facts, poking fun at the follies of all parties along the way.

[Jimmy]

Of all the books I have read in the Armchair Theologians series this is the one I learned the most from. There were many things I did not know before about the Reformation that I picked up from this work. The author Glenn Sunshine tells us in the introduction that the book was originally an adaptation of a series of studies and lectures he presented on the Reformation. I thought he did a pretty good job with the history. What I like about this introductory work to the Reformation in contrast with others that I read before is the fact that this book gave more of the historical and political contexts of what was going on while the church and theologians were hammering out a Protestant theology. It was such a tumultuous time period with wars and persecution for Protestants. I appreciated the book's discussion on the political and social atmosphere that the Reformation took place; there were many times as I read the book that I thought to myself of the biblical truth that what man and rulers might have meant for evil, God brought about good in spite of it. Surely the Reformation would probably not have had a lasting effect if the Catholics were able to militarily wiped out Protestants; but this did not occur since various other wars going on in Europe at that time that tied down or disunited Catholics politically. As a result the Reformation was not militarily crushed and survived it's infancy. But that does not mean this period was peaceful; on the contrary, by the time the Reformation was reaching the second generation much bloodshed would be spilled with religious wars such as the Thirty Year's War, etc. I appreciated the author's decision to discuss the Reformation not just about Luther, Zwingli and Calvin as most classical introduction do, but also how the Reformation spread and fared in other places such as with the Dutch, France, England and Bohemia, etc. It's a history that's not always pretty especially with the various rulers' persecution and political drama. The author did a good job writing this book in a format that is interesting and engaging narrative form. I would recommend this book.

[Mark Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightfully quick read. This is my new go to for popular introductions to the Reformation. Sunshine is a very engaging writer—the right blend of careful historical selection, humor, and narrative flow.

[Travis Letkeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book I ever read to my daughter, she slept most of the time. I blame the author for this. She’s 4 weeks old, and should have been deeply enthralled by the Protestant reformation a story she has never been told until now.

[Basil Stelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book of the month selection, this was very educational and I'm glad I had an entire month to finish it. Evident from the title, Sunshine adds humor to his books, but only a sprinkle, which is just fine. For an academic publication, it read nicely with a little bit of motivation required. Toward the end, as the deadline approached, I did not look forward to reading about the Reformation. It can be seen throughout the book that while it is for armchair theologians, it is not for people who are dipping their toes into the shallow end; there is mention of certain events or theological ideas without much explanation. However, Sunshine did define many fundamental words, though this tapered off over the course of the book. In a grading system from level one to Ptolemy, I would put this at a level two: not the most basic, but easy to grasp.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have an M.Div degree from Seminary and 23 years of pastoral experience. And in all that time, I find that this book would probably be the most helpful one I have come across in sharing with an average church member the significance of the Protestant Reformation. Using some lighthearted humor, as well as solid scholarship, the author conveys the foundational issues and challenges of the era - theological, political and economic - that fueled the fires of change with the Church.

This book could be a great tool for adult education in a congregation, or simply a wonderful read for any individual who wants to get a better grasp of the Reformation and its multiple levels of meaning.

[Coyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the good books in the "Armchair Theologian" series, well-written and comprehensive. Sunshine covers most of the major issues, wading fairly easily through topics that would bog down most theologians and church historians. The major concern with the book is that he will from time to time use a word before he's defined it (such as "Huguenot"), which could be confusing to those without a background in the time.
Highly recommended.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and accessible introduction to the reformation. I read/listened to this book during the same time I was reading Reeves "The Unquenchable Flame." Sunshine is somewhat more thorough, though I think I am a nearer kin to Reeves. Nevertheless, I have to say I think I slightly prefer this one.

[Stephen Hoogerhyde · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible and highly enjoyable overview of the Reformation. Written in a simple style, but without "dumbing down" the issues or glossing over disputes and difficulties, this gives the reader a good understanding of how the Reformation came about and how it progressed.

Sunshine has a witty style, and the illustrations by Ron Hill are also very funny. But make no mistake: these are serious issues, which are treated seriously as well. As bishop Sidney Smith said, you must not think me necessarily foolish because I am facetious, nor will I consider you necessarily wise because you are grave. At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, making this perhaps a good book to read in a group.

I highly recommend it. I enjoyed it so much I purchased two other books in the Armchair series, one on Luther and one on Calvin. Those are good, too, but not as good as this one.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is really tough to write any kind of history for a 300 year period, and please everyone. This is especially true of something as complicated as the Reformation. It is not just a history of religion, but it is also a political history. Sunshine does a really good job of painting with broad stokes when he can, and being detailed when he has to. I found this to be a pretty valuable read, and will likely refer to it again.

[Ryan Dufoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The author takes a topic like Reformation History and sprinkles in humorous quips, funny facts, and all other manner of things to keep the book interesting and an honest page turner. Sunshine's writing style is engaging, making you feel like you're on the inside of a story unfolding, even though it happened so long ago. Great read!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very detailed overview of a complicated and far-reaching event that was actually a process. It's fascinating to see how the seeds of the American and French revolutions were planted in the religious thinking throughout the Reformation period. And all the papal and royal behind-the-scenes maneuvering through coalitions, marriages and treaties is a challenge to keep straight. A fun review.

[John Brackbill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is probably a 4 or 5 star it is just that I listened to the audiobook and had a hard time staying zoned in at times. A helpful summary of the reformation. Great attention to detail is given to the historical context especially to the political aspects of the reformation. An engaging writer with a fun sense of humor.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glenn Sunshine is a historian so this book focuses more on the time period of the Reformation and the people involved than it does on the theology. Although the theology is well summarized. Thoughtful questions can be found at the end of each chapter.

[Gabe Bosslet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense history of the reformation starting in the late 16th century and going through the 30 year war. Great summation of Luther and Calvin and the politics of the age. Dense but easy to understand and helped me to understand why the churches split.

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative and even at times humorous, presentation of the history of the times of the Reformation. As usual, the author has done a very thorough job in producing many facts and the progression of history.

[David Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much information, with not enough detail. BUT it is an excellent overview.

[Elisabeth Evenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and light-hearted but with a lot of details of what was going in different parts of Europe.

[Steve Bender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny succinct recounting of the reformation, plus the European history surrounding it.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and brief. At times too brief, as I could not keep up with the rotating cast of characters.

[Olivia Babinov · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very cleverly written history on the Reformation, I absolutely loved it!

[Eric C 1965 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable history, revealing of the politics in religion and religion in politics during the reformation.

[Rusten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunshine on the Reformation is always informative. Politically, theologically, and biographically rich.

[Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this a lot but at times felt it would have benefitted from some editing and/or restructuring of the chapters.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready many years ago. Easy to understand. Much of the history stayed with me. Well written.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good. More thorough than I expected but easy to read from top to bottom. Sunshine has a good grasp of the Reformation history and it shines (pun intended) brightly here in this work.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

As my rating indicates, I really liked this book. "The Reformation for Armchair Theologians" by Glenn Sunshine is a fun, accessible overview of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. Sunshine traces the history from the increasing corruption in the Catholic Church straight through to the 30 Years War. I particularly appreciated the picture of Luther painted by the author. He clarified that although Luther is often cast as having much bravado at the Diet of Worms, he was "genuinely troubled by the arguments presented to him" (page 34). I also appreciated Sunshine's discussion of Calvin and Michael Servetus. Those who disapprove of Calvin often point to his role in the execution of Servetus, though a more cautious read of the history would suggest that Calvin was not as blood-thirsty as he can be portrayed by those who don't like him. I also found that I learned a great deal about others I hadn't read much of, such as Zwingli.

What is often striking to me as I consider this movement is how, in the midst of such violent opposition, God's kingdom continues to grow. It is clear that there were significant disputes that involved not only theologians and not only churches, but even kingdoms and governments and yet God's word advances.

This is an excellent little volume. If you are someone who does not like to even think about picking up a volume of church history, this would be a great place for you to start.

[Jim Marsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does an admirable job of clearing away what could be a muddy morass of people, ideas, regions and dates.

Everything is laid out in a logical progression and whenever an idea or person needs to be noted but will be explained further on in the text, it is laid out and the current thread continues.

The author does a wonderful job of giving us basic biographical data, but more importantly religious doctrines, including the arguments they sprang from, the counter-arguments against and the rebuttals. The author also does an excellent job of giving everyone the benefit of the doubt without being heavy handed in anyone's favor.

This does not mean that the despicable, violent, and often underhanded actions of historical figures are not represented, but that their potential motivations are touched upon.

I would gladly recommend this to anyone with an interest in the period or the ideas that sprang from it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my third book in the Armchair Theologians series, and I have enjoyed them all tremendously. Medieval history is not an era I've studied in great detail, and this book--taking place largely later-Middle ages--fell prey to some of what I dislike about period: too many names, too many kingdoms, too many wars, too many alliances and marriages...my eyes tend to glaze over. With that said, there is an excellent explanation of the origins of Lutherism and Calvinism, as well as a sympathetic section on the Counter Reformation. Much of what I thought I knew about John Calvin proved to be untrue, or a distortion of the truth. I walk away from this book knowing much more about the Reformation than I did when I started, and with the realization that, theologically speaking, I am indeed Catholic.

Good stuff.