The Reformation: What you need to know and why

Michael Reeves tells the story of the Reformation in a fast-paced style. John Stott (text updated with permission) takes the story forward, looking at the essence of the evangelical faith, and our responsibility now to hold it fast, and to pass it on. In an Appendix, Alan Purser asks us to re-examine what Jesus was praying for in John 17, when he asked his Father that the church may be one. This passage has been misunderstood and mis -preached for centuries. The book, carefully footnoted, includes a Timeline, running from the earliest 'heretik' martyr in Scotland in 1407 to the production of the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. We have the precious and eternal gospel' passed down to us through the courage of the Reformers', said the book's Editor, Julia Cameron.'This modest volume gives readers an easy grasp of the racy history of events in Europe. More than that, it shows why we need to know about the Reformation now.'

The Revd Dr John Stott, CBE, was for many years Rector of All Souls Church, Langham Place, London. He was chaplain to the Queen. Stott's global influence is well established, mainly through his work with Billy Graham and the Lausanne conferences - he was one of the principal authors of the Lausanne Covenant in 1974 - through his founding of Langham Partnership International and through his prolific writings, which have been translated into more than 60 languages and have sold more than 8 million copies. In 2005, Time magazine ranked Stott among the 100 most influential people in the world. He passed away on July 27, 2011.