Reformation Christianity

Perhaps no period in Christian history experienced such vast religious tumult and rapid social change as the European Reformation, when it quickly became apparent that social and political issues--finding deep resonance with the common people--were deeply entwined with religious ones raised by the Reformers. Led by eminent Reformation historian Peter Matheson, ten distinguished social historians trace the myriad and profound ways in which Europe's several Reformations played out in the lives of common folk: in their personal spirituality and corporate worship; catechesis and discipline; sexuality and gender roles; mores surrounding marriage, birth, and baptism, aging and death; relations with Jews and Muslims; lay theologies; as well as the utopian and even revolutionary ventures they spawned.