Advocates of Reform, From Wyclif to Erasmus

by Matthew Spinka

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: Church History

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

Matthew Spinka (1890 - 1972)...

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent overview of the couple centuries leading up to the reformation. Abridged works from John Wyclif, Henry of Langenstein, John Gerson, Dietrich of Niem, John Major, John Hus and Desiderius Erasmus. Obviously not up to theological par with what you'll find from Luther, Calvin, Bucer, Bullinger, Knox and others when the Reformation hits, but a key bridge in getting there. You can see in the writings where scholasticism and medieval mysticism are having their rough edges and gangly, gangrenous limbs hacked off, and the growing discontent with the papal machine. Personal favorite was the history and intro to the conciliarists. We don't get much of that taught, even in church history.

[Greg Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reader of primary sources leading up to the Reformation. Spinka’s introductions to each section could more helpfully aid the reader, though.