Customer Reviews

Reformers in the Wings: From Geiler von Kaysersberg to Theodore Beza

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Steinmetz provides in this survey of Reformation theology the historical development and debate of theology, dividing this into four groupings of theologians: Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed and Radical.

He correctly and honestly admits that these lines are blurred at times and individuals jump from one to the other to all at times, e.g. Carlstadt.

One can learn much about this fluid and dramatic time in theological history with learning about some of the other key theological players besides Luther, Calvin and Zwingli.

One will profit much from this brief excursion about each individual by hearing of the history surrounding their theological development, interaction with "The Big Three" with each other, and their subsequent contributions to the Reformation history.

Some readers like this reviewer will profit much from learning of those never heard of much, e.g. the Catholic champion Reginald Pole, or more insight and thirst for learning more about some already encountered, e.g. Staupitz.

Such benefits are certainly to be gained from time in this carefully researched, documented and well written treatise.

This is a concise and well-written book that explores some of the lesser known Reformers. Each short chapter considers a separate individual, providing brief biographical information, a summary of his beliefs, and Steinmetz's thoughtful commentary places him in the context of the time period.

What I enjoyed most about this book is how much I came to better understand Luther and Calvin by learning more details about those who opposed them. Many of the controversies of the time, such as those over baptism and the Lord's Supper, became clearer to me after I read the perpsective of the minority side.