Protestants, Alec Ryrie
Protestants, Alec Ryrie
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Protestants
The Faith That Made the Modern World

Author: Alec Ryrie

Narrator: Tim Bruce

Unabridged: 20 hr 14 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 04/04/2017


Synopsis

In this dazzling global history that charts five centuries of innovation and change, Alec Ryrie makes the case that Protestants made the modern world. Protestants introduces us to the men and women who defined and redefined this quarrelsome faith. Some turned to their newly accessible bibles to justify bold acts of political opposition, others to support a new understanding of who they were and what they could and should do. Above all, they were willing to fight for their beliefs. If you look at any of the great confrontations of the last five centuries, you will find Protestants defining the debate on both sides. Protestants have also fought among themselves. What unites them all is a passion for God and a vital belief in the principle of self-determination.

Protestants have set out for all four corners of the globe, embarking on courageous journeys into the unknown to set up new communities and experiment with new systems of government. They are resourceful innovators and are making new converts every day in China, Africa, and Latin America. Protestants created America and defined its special brand of entrepreneurial diligence. Whether you are yourself a Protestant, or even a Christian, you live in a world, and are guided by principles and ideas, shaped by Protestants.

About Alec Ryrie

Alec Ryrie is a prizewinning historian of the Reformation and Protestantism. He is the author of Unbelievers: An Emotional History of Doubt and Protestants: The Faith That Made the Modern World. Ryrie is professor of the history of Christianity at Durham University and Professor of Divinity at Gresham College, London.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Brian on March 24, 2023

I’m really glad to have found this book. Ryrie has such a reasonable, realistic but empathetic way of explaining highly controversial events. He makes it a human story of choices, consequences, inspirations, and limited accomplishments. It’s a balanced book, giving roughly equal coverage to the Refo......more

Goodreads review by John on January 19, 2018

This was probably the best book on the history of the Protestant Church that I have ever read. The author writes very clearly and is easy to read. The book also served as a nice reference on some of the distinctions between the different Protestant denominations. Highly recommend!......more

Goodreads review by Thomas on February 17, 2021

A treat to read and sad to finish it this evening. Lots learnt, lots to disagree with, and a surprising number of laughs. A superb book that has restored my joy in books. Probably won’t review but will read more Ryrie!......more

Goodreads review by Daniel on January 20, 2024

A useful overview of Protestantism's history. The main problem is that his definition of Protestant is far too broad - even including Jehovah's Witnesses.......more

Goodreads review by Jason on June 30, 2017

I was excited to find this book, finally able to merge my love of history with my faith. This is a comprehensive volume, and certain sections will appeal to different people depending what points of history fascinate you the most. For myself, I loved reading about Luthor, Calvin and the other early......more