Who and what were the major figures and ideas of the Protestant Reformation? Is it true that the medieval Catholic Church was so corrupt that a total religious revolution was necessary? How did the Church respond to the Reformation, and what were its lasting effects on Christianity and world history? Five hundred years after Martin Luther, what can Catholics do to bridge the divide with Protestants and restore Christian unity?
When Martin Luther presented his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, no one could have foreseen the impact of the revolution he and his fellow “Reformers” would unleash. 20 Answers: The Reformation is a perfect introduction to the major players, concepts, and events of this defining period in Western history. Only by understanding it can we work to counter its ill effects in the world today—and to fulfill Jesus’ prayer that we may all be one.
The 20 Answers Series from Catholic Answers offers hard facts, powerful arguments, and clear explanations of the most important topics facing the Church and the world—all in a compact, easy-to-read package. Check out dozens of other topics in the 20 Answers Series of booklets published by Catholic Answers Press.
Steve Weidenkopf is a Lecturer in Church History at the Christendom College Graduate School of Theology in Alexandria, Virginia. He has given numerous presentations and seminars on Church History, marriage and family life, human sexuality, and theology throughout the U.S. and Canada.
He served as the Director of the Office of Marriage & Family Life for the Archdiocese of Denver (2001 - 2004) and as an advisor to Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. and was an instructor at the Our Lady of the New Advent Catechetical Institute.
Steve is a member of the Society for the Study of the Crusades and the Latin East - an international academic group dedicated to the field of crusading history and is also a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
The story of the reformation that you never hear. While freely admitting that many clergy were not living their call, this also shows that the Reformation was not really one, but a Revolution led by deeply flawed people, and led to so much violence. We must pray for unity and see the good that came from the actual (counter) reformation, and continue that work.
Good, short, read on answers to common questions about the reformation. It briefly details things related to each of the major denominations of Protestantism. I definitely learned a couple of new things.