Here We Stand

Explore the life of Martin Bucer, the underappreciated peacemaker of the Reformation. Discover his early days in the Dominican order and how Luther's influence led him to embrace new ideas and marriage. Learn about his inclusive vision that transformed Strasbourg into a Protestant beacon. Bucer's efforts to unite diverse Reformers, influence on Calvin, and innovative small group structures showcase his enduring commitment to unity. Despite his exile and personal losses, his legacy as a unifying force deserves recognition.

Discover the life of William Tyndale, a passionate translator who risked everything to make the Bible accessible in English. Delve into his defiance of the church, his groundbreaking work translating directly from Greek, and the challenges he faced, including book bans and pirate editions. Learn about his motivations rooted in faith and the impact of his martyrdom, which ignited a fervor for reform throughout England. Tyndale's legacy continues to influence English Bible translation today.

Explore the life of Thomas Becon, a pivotal figure in the Reformation who took faith from churches to everyday settings like kitchens and courts. Discover his belief that Scripture is essential for cultivating godliness in all aspects of life. Learn how Becon viewed daily activities—meals, work, and leisure—as forms of worship. His prayer manuals offer insights on integrating faith into various vocations, emphasizing that every job holds equal value in God's eyes. Becon's influence reshaped the understanding of faith's role in everyday life.

Discover the captivating journey of Peter Martyr Vermigli, who, after a profound awakening, championed the Reformation across Europe. From his early days as an Augustinian to his transformative experiences in Naples, he redefined his understanding of faith. His flight from Italy led to significant reforms in Strasbourg and a pivotal role in England's Anglican movement. Despite facing numerous challenges, Vermigli's legacy as a scripture-centered reformer endures, marking him as a pivotal figure in religious history.

Discover the remarkable journey of Menno Simons, a Catholic priest who initially feared reading the Bible. His doubts about transubstantiation led him to uncover the gospel, igniting his transformation into a passionate Anabaptist leader. Explore his rise as an evangelical preacher who challenged infant baptism and championed the authority of Scripture. Delve into his advocacy for pacifism and a church separate from worldly powers, all while profoundly influencing the Mennonites. Simons’ legacy shines as a testament to faith, grace, and nonviolence.

Dive into the life of Wolfgang Capito, a figure marked by a unique blend of gentleness and theological reform. Discover how his conversion led him from medicine to a powerful advocate for unity among Protestants. Explore Capito's impactful hymn that called for peace amidst the Reformation's chaos. Listen to his bold appeals for mercy toward Anabaptists and his efforts to bridge gaps between key leaders like Luther and Zwingli. Ultimately, his model of patient engagement offers a timeless lesson in resolving conflict without violence.

Explore the remarkable life of Wibrandis Rosenblatt, a resilient woman intertwined with the Reformation. From her early marriage and widowhood to her roles as wife and mother in a time of upheaval, each chapter reveals her strength. Discover her marriages to influential Reformation figures and her management of household challenges, including the loss to plague. Delve into her letters showcasing her sharp wit and agency, and witness her enduring legacy amid the trials of her era.

Discover the fascinating life of Philip Melanchthon, the gentle counterpart to Martin Luther. Contrast his calm demeanor with Luther’s impulsive nature as they navigate the Reformation together. Learn about Melanchthon’s quirks, from his temper to his superstitions. Explore his groundbreaking work, the Loci Communes, which ties theology to scripture. Delve into his pivotal role in drafting the Augsburg Confession and his controversial stances on the Lord's Supper and predestination. Witness how Melanchthon's legacy shaped Lutheranism through his thoughtful, systematic approach.

Dive into the captivating life of Girolamo Savonarola, an early critic of papal abuses and a significant influence on Martin Luther. Explore how Savonarola’s fervent preaching transformed Florence and resonated with the public's longing for moral reform. His dramatic actions, such as the Bonfires of the Vanities, showcased his commitment to a purer society. Discover the political turmoil and millennial expectations that fueled his rise, as well as his complex relationship with Catholic doctrine and his prophetic role in foreshadowing the Reformation.

Dive into the life of Jan Hus, a pivotal figure in religious reform and martyrdom. Discover how his defiance at a mock trial led to his execution, where he sang bravely in his final moments. Explore his roots as a humble preacher and how his critiques of clerical corruption ignited uproar in Bohemia. Learn about his commitment to scripture over papal authority and his influence from John Wycliffe. Connect with the legacy of Hus, who served as an inspiration for later reformers like Martin Luther, earning him the title of the Goosefather.