Reformation Heroes Hardcover – January 10, 2007

My children (ages 7 and 12) and I are absolutely enjoying and learning from this excellent book. It is comprised of 34 chapters. For the most part, one whole chapter is dedicated to the life of each forerunner or reformer mentioned by the previous reviewer. Chapters 18 and 32 discuss the Heidelberg Catechism and the Anabaptists respectively. It has 6 appendixes which include among other things a map of Europe in 1550, a glossary, and study questions for each chapter. There are great black and white illustrations throughout the book. The recommended age for this book would be upper elementary to adults. Many lower elementary children could also benefit if the book is read to them. This book is a gem! L.Q.

The timeline is so helpful. So many heroes are included, expecially the lesser known. Gives a great overview of that whole reformation period.

Great book for families teaching their children about the Reformation. Very easy to understand, and reads well!

Over time my role models have changed from sport athletes and Holywood figures like John Rambo and Jet Lee during childhood and adolescent days, to Christian heroes among whom are the servants of the Reformation, as I was exposed to their biography. The majority of today's role models, even among Christians, are measured by different parameters from those presented in "Reformation Heroes." The difference is, to borrow from Pastor John Piper, between success versus significance. One effect of reading biographies like "Reformation Heroes" is to lead us to compare the way we usually define success, as in winning a sport championship, or being popular and wealthy because of looks, skills and abilities, or living comfortably happily ever after, to the kind of impact or significance to this very day, the theology, lifestyle, character, camaraderie, loyalty, valor, and sacrifice of the Reformers, and most importantly, the cause they lived and died for that drove them to live the way they lived. This is significance. This is true success. It is not for no reason why "Soli Deo Gloria" is the last watchword of the five Solas of the Reformation that describes the holy passion burning in their bosom. Thus Hebrews 13:7 commands us to "consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Dr. Beeke and Ms. Kleyn have this objective in mind as they write in the introduction, "May you, dear children and young people, be among them" referring to "the godly men and women who live for His glory."

"Reformation Heroes" is a chronological presentation of the life of the servants of both Pre-Reformation and the Reformation itself throughout Europe against papacy, one of the greatest, most brutal, most cunning tyrannies in history. Peter Waldo of France, John Wycliffe of England, Anne of Bohemia, Queen of Richard II, and John Huss, both of Bohemia marked the dawn of this blessed era. Then came Luther, Melanchthon, Bucer, Zwingli and Bullinger in Germany and Switzerland, respectively. The scene then shifted to England where the Reformation leaders were Tyndale, King Edward VI, Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley, Foxe, and Knox. Next, the Reformers in the so-called Lowlands; modern-day Belgium, Netherland and Northern France, are presented, after whom came Vermigli, Calvin and Beza. If I were to pick what stunned me the most, I would go with Anne of Bohemia, Luther, Queen Marguerite of Navarre and her daughter Jeanne with the Huguenots, as well as Charlotte, the Nun of Jouarre, the last three lived to see the fateful St Bartholomew's Day.

It is natural to think that the most blessed time is the time of outward prosperity, yet somehow I see that perspective changed and it is confirmed after getting more exposure of the Reformation days through this book. Though these were the years of living dangerously, they were blessed years. Persecution was fierce. Violence was glaring. Evil was overwhelming. Poverty was rampant. Plagues were raging. Yet grace was abundant. The gospel truth was so dear of a cause. The power and glory of God blazed forth through His true church triumphant. Eternity was so close. One was not guaranteed to live through the day, let alone tomorrow. There were no boring days, no time for trifling. There were blood earnestness, sense of urgency, sweet friendships, and passionate debates, though they weren't free from flaws, pride and hatred, inevitable realities of life in a fallen world. "Reformation Heroes" is doubtless a must-read for youths and adults alike, ages 8 to 108.

Sorry, my english is not very good: Yes, there were always persons in different countries looking for renewals. Think of Franz von Assisi (1181-1226) in Italy. But who was the first one, important for a change in church and politics in Germany? It was Luther and not von Staupitz. Of course, you need many people, helpers for a change.----Not only Luther, but many people feared the pugatorial fire, punishment of god. The catholic church
told also in the days of Luther, hat all people are sinners and for that
reason, they could go to hell, unless they do penance, give money and
property to the church (the church got very whealthy), indulgance. Also at
Luther's time, nuns and monks sometimes did beat themselves up
because of their sins. The author's of the book claims that Luther "found
out", that simply faith was missing?! Luther "found out", that good gives
us MERCY, your sins are forgiven because of this MERCY. It's the mercy of
faith, good gives us like a present. Anyway, the Heidelberger Katechismus was the first step in Germany "to teach" simple "what it is about". But this wasn't the end of it in Germany.There is a developement: In 2010 was the 8. renewal with a modern interpretation for our livingconditions.

I bought the second edition that includes the study guide. I have used it repeatedly! Originally used for teaching my older kids world history 1500-1860 (since many times the focus is only on Renaissance and misses the Reformation). I chose key persons and they answered the questions from the guide. Then I loaned it to our youth director at church when he was looking for stand-alone lessons (each chapter is its own biography) to fill in a gap in his summer. Now this year I'm using it to fill in a gap after finishing our Bible curriculum early. The younger kids listen and color while the older kids and I read aloud and look up the geography or pictures of the places & people mentioned.

The chapters are succinct for all the history they cover. Words are chosen well, easily understood by 12 and up. Younger kids grasp most of the concepts. It's a tremendous read-aloud book as it demonstrates the moving of the Holy Spirit igniting the hearts of royalty and peasants, men and women. The writers portray the humanity of the heroes with respect and dignity and also the realities of frailty despite faith.

Physically, it is made well! The binding is created for longevity. The paper quality holds up to many hands turning pages. The pictures throughout are a blend historical works of art and renditions of an illustrator. The appendices hold maps, family trees of royalty, bibliographies and more.

I highly recommend this book!