The Saved and the Damned

The interesting thing about the Reformation is that it was initiated in remote places, far away from the political, economic and cultural hubs of Europe. Yet, it threw the entire continent into turmoil. There has been much speculation about the social and political factors that might have triggered these events. To church historian and Reformation expert Thomas Kaufmann, however, they were primarily religiously motivated. This is an unusual take on the Reformation, as it acknowledges spiritual concerns and goes beyond the conventional, triumphalist narrative. Drawing on a vast number of primary sources, the argument is based on solid research. The author is known for his attention to detail and his unique ability to present the history of religion in a lucid and entertaining manner. In this book, Thomas Kaufmann highlights the enormous consequences of early modern events that affect us even today — and how all of Europe was reshaped by this religious-historical earthquake.