Journal: Grace Journal
Volume: GJ 10:1 (Winter 1969)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

---

GJ 10:1 (Wtr 69) p. 42

Book Reviews

The Great Light. By James Atkinson. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 287 pp., $5.00.

This volume is the seventh in a new series on The Advance of Christianity Through The Centuries, edited by F. F. Bruce. There will be eight volumes in the total series; hence there will be only one more volume to complete the project. The editor of the series, Dr. Bruce, wrote the first volume, The Spreading Flame which has received wide acclaim. Other specialists have been chosen to write on particular fields of Church History. Accordingly James Atkinson was chosen to write on Luther and the Reformation. Dr. Atkinson, Professor of Biblical History and Literature in the University of Sheffield, England, is recognized internationally as an outstanding authority on Martin Luther and his period. One of his recent books is Luther and the Birth of Protestantism.

The author feels strongly that Luther was the real spearhead of the Reformation in all countries where it manifested itself. With this persuasion in his compact volume he deals with the Reformation as it progressed in the major countries of its manifestation in the 16th century. Part I deals with Luther and the German Reformation; Part II with Zwingli and the Swiss Reformation; Part III with Calvin and the Establishment of Protestantism; and Part IV with The Reformation in Britain (including Scotland).

The work is the result of careful research. It makes use of recent scholarship and discoveries. It is well documented and contains an extensive bibliography. The book, as is characteristic of all the volumes of the series thus far appearing, has no pictures, charts, and is somewhat lacking in illustrative material and the human element though there are refreshing touches of the latter throughout the book. It contains no frills. However, it is packed with solid historical material and presents a good overall picture of the Reformation Movement in the 16th century. It presents the essential information without having to read several volumes. It is a worthy successor to the six volumes that have preceded it in the series. All students of Church History will want this volume on their shelves.

Homer A. Kent, Sr.
Grace Theological Seminary

Keeping the Spirit of Christmas. By Handel H. Brown. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, 1965. 167 pp. $3.50.

Ministers and teachers are always on the alert for new and fresh Christmas ideas. This book provides an inspiring and different approach to the subject. Christmas is

GJ 10:1 (Wtr 69) p. 43

gradually becoming a secular holiday. The restoration of the distinctive elements, especia...

visitor : : uid: ()