The European Reformation [Paperback]

Cameron claims the backing of two schools, the socio-economic and the history ideas in forming this book. While he says that the two seperate have many of their own strengths he also points out that they have their faults. In the face of this he combines the ideas and approaches of both schools in this book.

The Reformation by starts with a classical introduction of the popular piety during the late middles ages. The two positions, that the period before the Reformation was characterised by an increased secularisation of society. That religion was an important factor in the lives of the people and that they actually great in their respect for the church. He draws the best points of both arguments and concludes the first chapter with a new thesis somewhat combining the old and also bringing in new aspects.

This is the process which Cameron proceeds throughout the book. Taking opposing views and resolving them to make the picture fit within his story. He starts with the background of the reformation, society, history, etc. Then Reformers and their messages are discussed with the same counter-argumentation scheme. In his third section he presents the establishment of the reformation churches, again with arguments by different historians concerning the coalition between the politicians and theologians. And finally he conculudes with a discussion of the frustration of late reformers and the second generation of reformers.

What can be seen in this book is that the reformation is a complex and involved event. There seems to be no one correct approach which will solve all the questions. It is rather a conglomerated mixture. With particulars unique to this time, special in the criticisms that it raised and the history that is sprung from.

Cameron's book is a good compilation of the ideas and arguments of the reformation. It provides a good summary of the events and peoples. His style is fluid and easy to follow. A very enlightening and useful read.

Cameron's viewpoint comes from two schools, the socio-economic and the history of ideas, in forming this book. While he says that the two schools have many of their own strengths he also points out that they have their faults. In the face of this he combines the ideas and approaches of both schools in this book.

`The Reformation' by Cameron starts with an introduction of the popular piety during the late middles ages. Two positions, that the period before the Reformation was characterised by an increased secularisation of society and that religion was an important factor in the lives of the people -due to their respect for the church are then discussed. He draws the best points of both arguments and concludes the first chapter with a new thesis somewhat combining the old and also bringing in new aspects.

This is the process which Cameron proceeds throughout the book, taking opposing views to create a comprehensive narrative. He starts with the background of the reformation; society, economy, etc. Then Reformers and their messages are discussed with the same counter-argumentation scheme. In his third section he presents the establishment of the Reformation churches concerning the coalition between the politicians and theologians. And finally he conculudes with a discussion of the frustration of late reformers and the second generation of reformers.

What can be seen in this book is that the reformation is a complex and involved event. There seems to be no single approach which will solve all the questions. It is rather a conglomerate mixture.

Cameron's book is a good compilation of the ideas and arguments of the reformation. It provides a good summary of the events and peoples. His style is fluid and easy to follow. A very enlightening and useful read.