Rescuing the Gospel

The Story and Significance of the Reformation

By: Erwin W. Lutzer

Narrated by: Bob Souer

The Reformation unfolded in the cathedrals and town squares of Europe - in Wittenberg, Worms, Rome, Geneva, and Zurich - and it is a stirring story of courage and cowardice, of betrayal and faith. The story begins with the Catholic Church and its desperate need for reform. The dramatic events that followed are traced from John Wycliffe in England, to the burning of John Hus at the stake in Prague, to the rampant sale of indulgences in the cities and towns of Germany, to Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in 1517, to John Calvin's reform of Geneva. Erwin W. Lutzer captures the people, places, and big ideas that fueled the Reformation and explains its lasting influence on the church and Western civilization.

©2016 Erwin Lutzer (P)2017 Tantor

Good summary of the reformation.

Enjoyed this quick easy listening summary of the reformation. It still has repercussions to this day.

Eye opening

Very well done. A brief but fair history of the reformation. Although I would disagree with the likes of Luther and Calvin the contribution to the faith is very much understated.

Great book for Protestants & Catholics

Although I was brought up as a catholic, I never was taught about the Refomation. Now that I understand it, I am glad that I converted to become a Protestant. Great read!

Enlightenment that was presented with passion.

The simplicity of the difficult discussion made this very enjoyable. the Author spoke with authority and understanding.

This is a great story of the reformation!

This is a great story of the reformation, beginning with Tyndale, continues through Luther, Zwimgli, Calvin, through the anabaptists and ends with what it means for today. I truly recommend this for anyone wanting to observe Christ protecting and building His church through His chosen instruments (men equipped/empowered by the Holy Spirit). He WILL preserve His gospel!

Reformation Fun!

this book was very interesting and fascinating to follow. the narrator did a good Job! Also in learning about Martin Luther's life.

Excellent Concise and Grace-filled History!

Definitely a textbook, I would have preferred this textbook in my high school Church History class. Lutzer begins this history and explanation of the rescue of the gospel with John Wycliffe and Jan Hus, but the majority discusses Luther, his narrative in the Reformation, his writings, his translation of the Bible into German, and his later personal life. Lutzer continues with Zwingli and Calvin giving considerable coverage of the role they each played in the deaths of others. As he discusses the failures of Reformation giants, he seems to make excuses at times while still making full denouncements of their actions.

There was nothing moderate about Luther. Hearing so much of his work quoted, honestly, I’m not sure I would have supported him in that day. He argued ferociously, striking blows below the belt. He did not apologize for name-calling which he did regularly and vociferously. He called Cardinal Cajetan an ass playing a harp and Erasmus an Eel that only Christ could grab. Seriously. The man took no prisoners. I agreed with so much of what he said but could not agree with how he said it. That being said, he made a stand. It was a stand the world needed him to make in order to pave the way for religious freedom. The author traces these consequences through European history in a way that encouraged my heart.

Lutzer also covers the three most controversial views of Martin Luther, namely: 1) the role he played in the peasant uprising in Germany and how his writings were used to support Nazi sympathizers in the German churches, 2) his staunch support of God’s will over free will and his falling out with Erasmus, and 3) his strong anti-Semitic writings. With each of these, Lutzer responds, mostly with explanations, but he takes more time with Luther’s anti-semitism.

Lutzer actually quotes long portions of the most horrendous of Luther’s writings against the Jews, ending with his own response: “Luther… could you?” He then continues with Hitler’s admiration of Luther in his own work, “Mein Kampf”. I had no idea Hitler quoted Luther in such a demonic text. Lutzer unequivocally condemns Luther’s anti-Semitic writings with an explanation for its incompatibility with the gospel calling them, “despicable and anti-Christian, to be strongly denounced.”

Luther’s marriage to Katarina Von Bora was utterly amusing. God saw to it that they were well-matched. She managed their household and all money matters so well that Luther never even learned how to handle money. She was equal to him in education, wit, and sass. One day, when he was particularly depressed, she dressed in full mourning. When he asked her who had died, she reportedly said, “God has died. Haven’t you heard?”

Lutzer ended this work with modern implications of the reformation giving first hand and primary source information on the modern Catholic Church’s view of the gospel. I found his discussion on the 1999 coalition of Catholics and Protestants more impactful (with less word count) than R.C. Sproul’s “Getting the Gospel Right”. He made an excellent case for our stance as Reformers who are still reforming.

New to the Christian faith?

A helpful way to get caught up on some modern history. Give it a read, then seach for why not (truly).