La hora de Tomás Moro. Solo frente al poder

by Peter Berglar

Escritor, erudito, mecenas, abogado, relator del Consejo de Estado, juez, Canciller del Reino, Consejero de Enrique VIII, embajador... y condenado a muerte por el mismo rey al que sirvió con lealtad.

Tomás Moro es "el hombre del siglo XVI" cuya obra, y su vida entera, nos explican las causas y el desarrollo de la crisis de su época. Pero se ha dicho que "la hora de Tomás Moro" es también la hora del siglo XXI, o sea, es para nosotros ejemplo y programa.

Escritor, erudito, mecenas, abogado, relator del Consejo de Estado, juez, Canciller del Reino, Consejero de Enrique VIII, embajador... y condenado a muerte por el mismo Rey a quien sirvió con lealtad maciza. Humanismo y Reforma constituyen la encrucijada de la cual, con su vida y con su muerte en el cadalso, Tomás Moro nos presenta, como en un espejo, el retrato palpitante de la lucha para mantener el ámbito de la libertad del individuo frente al poder organizado - que no siempre se identifica con el Estado -, el poder que pretende exigir no sólo una obediencia de hecho, sino también un asentimiento activo. Incluso en una sociedad libre y abierta, como es la nuestra, va en aumento la tendencia a uniformar las opiniones, sin tomar en consideración las convicciones íntimas y la autenticidad de la persona, recurriendo también a la coacción indirecta y hasta directa.

Genres: Religion, Biography

440 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1978

Reviews

[Sebastián Morales Arcelus · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is no question that this book was made with tremendous dedication and study by the author. From a historical or bibliographical standpoint my rating would be 5/5.

However, I would have expected for the narrative to be more engaging. The book has so much information (which confirms the great job done by the author) that it often feels more like a source book rather than a book you would both like to enjoy and learn from in your free time. Hence my final rating (4/5).

As a final comment, I was truly amazed by the life of Thomas More who surely is an example as both human being and profesionist. Also, his conviction and faith in God does make you wonder and reflect on the existence of God, even as an atheist or non believer. The conviction behind Thomas' decisions and actions, and congruence between his mind and reality, does leave one thinking about the influence of God in ones life, if one's willing to receive it (not saying this is my case).

[Eric W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This interesting work is a biography of Saint Thomas Moore with a distinctly Christian perspective. Unlike a conventional, chronological biography, the book confronts the reader with several important questions: for what is life not worth living? When does one's conscience -- in this case, one's Christian faith -- require one to refuse submission to the will of the state? The book also takes special care to explain the the larger political environment, as well the state of Christian thought, with an emphasis on Erasmus. Berglar also introduces the reader to More's most important works, especially those that shed light on his actions with regard to the the king's "great matter," i.e., whether Henry could annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, as well as the surrounding political and religious questions.

The book is more thoughtful and more worthwhile than a conventional biography, and, for most Christians, probably more rewarding.

[Jake Justen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot of information about St. Thomas More, the contemporary protestant revolt, contemporary culture, and the English monarch. A lot of information, especially for only being about 200 pages. While heavy on detail, though, the book is rather light on a narrative flow. Still, this is a good book to read in Adoration and contemplate the saint's life and martyrdom.

[Hector Vela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author of great erudition, well written book

Peter Berglar shows More’s life with great detail based on both his deeds and his writings, the result is a picture of More that is seen as More himself. Great work!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable history of time Sir Thomas' life, character and conviction.