The reformation was not a singular event or fixed date, but rather a progression of ideas and beliefs that once circulated would become unstoppable. Who were the key players and what would the future hold?
Sixteen year old Mary Jones saved her pennies and walked barefoot 28 miles through the desolate Welsh countryside to buy a Bible. This story would inspire countless others and give impetus to the many fledgling Bible societies and mission movements.
John Wesley and George Whitfield would have a huge impact on Christianity throughout the world. George Whitfield would be instrumental in the First Great Awakening in America and John Wesley would lead a revival in England that some say saved the country from a revolution.
Today the Methodist church spans the globe, yet its birth was unintentional and its roots go back to a Bible study group at Oxford University. However some would say its roots go back even further, to the Wesley brothers’ godly upbringing in Epworth, England.
Marie Durand spent 38 years in prison with her only crime being her Protestant faith. All she needed to do be to released was to say two words - ‘I recant’, something that she refused to do. Her righteous resistance is an example of an ordinary person standing resolutely in the face of injustice.
Casteluzzo towers over the valley and town of Torre Pelice as a constant reminder of the persecution that the Waldenses have been through. The 17th century would see probably their worst episode with the massacre at Mount Casteluzzo particularly gruesome. They made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of truth.
Martin Luther’s protest 500 years ago has been debated at length. Is it still valid? Are the reasons for it still relevant? Is it now outdated or have people today simply forgotten the lessons of history?
The Mayflower ship sailed from England to America in 1620 and would change history forever. Fleeing persecution and seeking a place where they could worship freely, the Pilgrims made the journey from the land they knew into the unknown.
In 1605 there would be another attempt to forcibly remove the King of England, though this time the chosen method was to blow up the Houses of Parliament. Guy Fawkes was found with 36 barrels of gunpowder on the 5th November, but England and King James I would survive.
The Spanish Armada was one of the largest fleets ever assembled and yet they never accomplished what they set out to do. They would be soundly defeated by a mix of factors and England would survive the attempted invasion and an attempt to change England from Protestantism back to Catholicism.
One of the saddest and most gruesome events to occur in the 16th century was without doubt the St Bartholomew's Day massacre. In the absence of mutual respect and freedom of religion, this massacre marked possibly the lowest point for the Protestants in France as they were brutally killed.
Thomas Cranmer would go from a peaceful life at Cambridge University to being the Archbishop of Canterbury, then a prisoner in the Tower of London before dying a martyr’s death in Oxford. He was the most high profile of all those who died during Mary Tudor’s gruesome reign but perhaps the most courageous at the end.
During the reign of Mary Tudor, over 260 Protestants were put to death in England, earning her the title, Bloody Mary.' The most high profile group were the Oxford martyrs, and the first two of these to be killed were Hugh Latimer and Nicolas Ridley. Their refusal to back down on what some might say was a insignificant issue would cost them both their lives.
After being isolated for many years, in the 16th century the Waldenses would meet with the leaders of the reformation. The result was twofold, containing both positive and negative elements with perhaps the best outcome being the 'gift' the Waldenses gave to the Reformation of the Bible in French.
Mary Queen of Scots had a fearsome reputation, causing many a strong man to wilt in her presence, but this was not true of John Knox. Their encounter that took place in Holyrood Palace stands to us as an example, inspiring courage in the face of danger and peril.
John Knox started his ministry as a two handed sword carrier to protext George Wishart, but after his death he picked up the mantle. He would drive the Scottish reformation forward through his boldness, fearlessness and resolute trust in God.
George wishart lived just 33 years yet he made a significant impact on Scotland through his Godly life and powerful preaching. He also mentored and trained the man who would solidify and carry forward the Scottish Reformation, John Knox.
Voted as the 26th top Briton of all time on a BBC poll, William Tyndale sits comfortably amongst the most significant reformers. As a scholar and Bible translator he had a lasting impact on Britain and Europe shaping the English language and leaving a legacy lasting long past the premature end to his life.
The Reformation swept across Europe in the 16th century, creating strongholds in Germany, Switzerland, England and Scotland leaving a trail of conflict and martyrdom in its wake but in the Nordic countries of Scandinavia the truth took hold in a quieter, more unobtrusive way leaving behind a more potent legacy.
It would seem that nearly everyone who made a significant impact in the 16th century reformation passed through Geneva. It became a centre of networking and study, known for its theological pedigree and missionary training with John Calvin integral to much of the work there.
Geneva would become almost a Protestant version of Rome. Many reformers would pass through this city in the 16th century from all over Europe which is why John Calvin is often referred to as the 'International Reformer' as his influence spread far and wide.
In their desire to see the Reformation advanced in France, some decisions were made that ultimately proved extremely costly. Instead of progress the reformation lost its brightest minds to other countries at best and at worst to death and persecution.
Though his greatest work would occur in Switzerland, John Calvin began his life near Paris. Despite his parents' wishes and his own original intentions, his life would take twists and turns before his conversion set his destiny on course.
The name ‘Protestant’ dates back to a meeting in the town of Speyer, Germany and 8 Princes protested against the abuse of power and overreach of the authority of the church in their day. Men of principle, firm and resolute whose stand and values has been cherished by many since.
Whilst on his way home from the Diet of Worms, Luther was 'captured' and taken to Wartburg Castle. This audacious plot executed by his friends saved Luther from his enemies and gave him a welcome respite from the challenges he faced. He wasn't to remain there long term though - his burden for his people was too great.
Despite his relatively young age and lack of experience, Martin Luther was not swayed by pressure or opinion. Standing before the Diet of Worms he refused to go against his conscience and said, ‘Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me God.’
Martin Luther was not left to live his life in peace but encountered repeated opposition and trial. The Church of Rome took the threat so seriously that a Papal Bull was produced but Luther was undaunted and publicly burned it under a tree in Wittenburg.
Aside from the Bible, perhaps the single most significant document written by someone is the 95 Thesis by Martin Luther. Although initially written to address a local need, the impact mushroomed beyond what anyone could have imagined.
Zwingli did for Switzerland what Luther did for Germany - spearheading reform, standing for truth and calling people back to the Bible.
Early in his ministry Luther would embark on a trip that would change his life forever. Called to go to Rome, what he thought would be a pilgrimage changed his life, but for different reasons than he anticipated.
Medieval Europe in the 15th century was ripe for change. A man was born in Germany into a humble home, and though he had no desire for personal fame, he would go on to transform not just his own country but the whole continent.
Every several hundred years an invention comes along that revolutionises society, fundamentally changing some aspect of our lives. The Gutenberg Press was such an invention, changing communication, making the quick spread of new ideas possible. It had a huge impact on the reformation in the 16th century as it meant copies of the Bible and other tracts could spread far and wide.
John Wycliffe died in 1384 but he was not destined to rest in the grave. 40 Years later he was dug up, burnt to ashes and then thrown in a nearby river. As the waters of this river would flow around the world, so would the influence of God’s Word following Wycliffe’s translation.
It was hoped by some that the death of Huss and Jerome would signal an end to the work in Bohemia but this was not to be the case. The work continued and was protected during the Bohemian wars by the General Zizska. He never lost a battle and despite having a vastly smaller army they were able to repel several papal crusades.
Burned for their faith, Huss and Jerome approached the stake as if they were attending a wedding not a martyrdom. As the flames encircled their bodies they sang hymns, and The legacy of their faithful and heroic lives would prove to last much longer than their relatively short lives.
In 1415 the Council of Constance convened to settle the papal schism and deal with 'heresies' that were arising. Two men from Bohemia would find themselves there. Huss was called to trial and Jerome came seeking to help him, though he would end up in prison himself.
The small region of Bohemia, located in modern day Czech Republic, was home to two mighty heroes of the reformation: John Huss and Jerome. Their legacy spread beyond their home city of Prague and lives on to this day.
John Wycliffe - Morning Star of the Reformation, lived over 600 years ago, yet his legacy lives on. Translator of the Bible, defender of national sovereignty and trainer of missionary preachers - his impact was great and paved the way for those who would come after him.
The Magna Carta is one of the most important documents in history, yet many have never heard of it or read it in full. Its legacy has inspired liberty and freedom around the world, showing that no one is above the law.
Pope Innocent III was anything but innocent. During his reign, numerous groups were persecuted at the start of the 13th century, in particular the Albigensian's. Over a 20 year period he attempted to wipe out this faithful, Bible believing people in Southern France.
'Lux Lucet in Tenebris' is the Waldensian motto and it translates as 'A Light out of Darkness.' Hunted and persecuted they often had to retreat into the bowels of the earth and worship God in the shelter of caves - but even in the darkness their light shone brightly.
Deep in the valleys this sturdy people lived and worked, but they were not hermits. Through their well-trained children, young people, and older people, they impacted the whole continent, spreading the gospel throughout Europe as missionaries ‘disguised’ as students and workers.
The Church in the Wilderness of Revelation 12:6,14 is perhaps best illustrated by the experience of the Waldensians. This week, and the next few weeks, we will visit the valleys that they called home and see where they lived and died. Seeing their faithfulness and commitment to mission and service for God.
This week we travel from Iona to Wales where another training school was established and then we follow one of their missionaries as he went to France, Switzerland, Germany and then finally Italy, setting up training mission schools along the way.
Crucial decisions would be made during the Whitby Synod in 664 A.D. that would affect the future of Christianity in the British Isles. The tide would turn away from Celtic Christianity.
Lindisfarne, also known as the Holy Island, situated on the north Coast of England would be the base of mission operations in England in the 7th century. Aidan came from Iona, planted a school here and along with his two successors would convert almost three quarters of England in under 50 years.
Isolated from the rest of Britain and Europe lies the island of Iona, off the coast of Scotland. Yet from this small, barren and windswept island a great impact would be felt far and wide. Columba, that great missionary and trainer of missionaries made this his base and set up a school that would last for several centuries.
We begin our journey with an event that changed the Christian landscape immeasurably - the conversion of Constantine. This event would lead to the persecution of Gods faithful believers from within the church and the beginning of a clear distinction between the two branches of Christianity that would emerge.
