New Book on the Reformers by S.E. Long
A new book on the Protestant Reformation has been written by former Rector of Dromara, Revd Canon Dr. S.E. Long.
‘Renowned Reformers’ introduces the reader to this important period of history and profiles the lives of Martin Luther, William Tyndale, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, Hugh Latimer, Nicholas Ridley and James Ussher. These giants of the faith are renowned for their role in the Reformation, and this new publication sheds light on their thinking and methods.
Dr Long explains, “These men so impressed and affected the thinking of their contemporaries, that irreversible changes took place in the history of church and state. The primary and fundamental benefit these Reformers brought to people was to make it clear that individuals can have a personal relationship with God. They removed the barrier of language to give the people the Holy Scriptures in the common tongue. And they remodelled and simplified the worship services and ceremonies of the Church to enable people to obtain a better understanding of the intrinsic meaning and worth of the Christian faith.
“The Reformers deliberately simplified, personalised and purified the faith that was encumbered by rules, regulations, liturgical and doctrinal beliefs and practices alien to these of the early church. They had a herculean struggle against the overriding power and influence of a church/state collusion, which affected everybody in their thoughts, words, and deeds.”
At 101 years old, Dr. Long is a prolific author and academic. He has lived through the Wall Street Crash, the Great Depression, two World Wars, the Cold War and the modern Irish Troubles.
After a successful ministry in the Church of Ireland, the retired cleric continues his ministry by writing articles, pamphlets and books, which are of interest to people and which seek to educate, encourage and inspire.
‘Renowned Reformers’ is published by Slieve Croob Press and priced at £9.99. It’s available online at www.facebook.com/slievecroobpress and at all good book shops.