Why the Reformation Still Matters by Michael Reeves and Tim Chester is a 224 page nonfiction book in the Church History Genre. It is published by Crossway and was released on September 30, 2015. To purchase your copy, click here.
Overview
In 1517, a German monk nailed a poster to the door of a church, disputing key doctrines taught by the Roman Catholic Church in that day. This moment set in motion a movement that changed the entire trajectory of church history. But do the Reformers still have something to teach us?
In this accessible primer, Michael Reeves and Tim Chester answer eleven key questions raised by the Reformers—questions that remain critically important for the church today.
My Two Cents
Why the Reformation Still Matters is a careful description of how the Reformation changed how the believer should think about the doctrines of justification, scripture, sin, grace, the cross, union with Christ, pneumatology, the sacraments, and ecclesiology. The authors also provide and excellent contrast between what we believe about these doctrines and what Rome taught (and in most cases still teaches today). I especially appreciated the focus on why the Reformation is still of relevance and importance even today. The church at large would benefit from reading this book. This book is a great start in church history for the person who is intimidated by the multi-volume epics written by other authors; it is short and concise and will most likely whet your appetite for more church history.
I give this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is an easy read, an excellent introduction to church history in a concise form, and a careful description of the Reformation and why it still matters in our current age. Why the Reformation Still Matters is a great resource for any Christian library.
About the Authors
Michael Reeves (PhD, King’s College, London) is president and professor of theology at Union School of Theology in Oxford. He is the author of Delighting in the Trinity, Rejoicing in Christ, and The Unquenchable Flame: Discovering the Heart of the Reformation.
Tim Chester (PhD, University of Wales) is a pastor of Grace Church, Boroughbridge, and curriculum director of the Acts 29-Oak Hill Academy, which provides integrated theological and missional training for church leaders. He is the coauthor of Total Church and is the author of over thirty books, including You Can Change, A Meal with Jesus, and Good News to the Poor.