Author: Morris, Edward E.
Genre: History
Tags: Baptist / Baptists, Catholicism
Series:
Debra Conley‘s Review:
I found this 1914 volume of a 30-volume set of historical essays done by many prominent educators. What I found most interesting in this university text was the overriding confidence of the authors and endorsers that the Protestant Reformation was one of the most positive influences in the history of the world. The result it produced in solid character formation of individuals is highlighted throughout. The volume begins with a summary of the small extent of Christendom and the advancing threat of Islam in the European world, including of course, the Spanish Inquisition which was also hostile to the Jewish community. By following the men who were bold enough to step forward and declare the truths of Scripture, the Reformation began a force able to deal with dangerous and insidious philosophies. Individuals like Jerome, Colet, Wyclif, Bishops Latimer and Ridley, Luther, and Knox are heroes of the reform because their foundation was considered noble and right. In fact, I could find no negative or cynical reference to any of the religious goals or affirmations of the era. I think it a serious question to consider why these prominent universities were grounded with books like these fewer than a hundred years ago and now have nothing good to say about this history or its influence.