Living at the End of the Ages: Apocalyptic Expectation in the Radical Reformation

(Paperback)

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This book seeks to capture the apocalyptic expectation in the 16th century German-speaking Europe, especially as articulated by the groups and individuals collectively called the Radical Reformation. Attention is paid also to Luther and his fellow-reformers to show that apocalyptic expectation was not limited to the socially disadvantaged strata of society. A summary of apocalyptic expectation from the beginnings of the church through the Middle Ages forms the essential background and setting for 16th century hopes.
The body of work consists of the discussion of four apocalyptic themes. The first is a sketch of four individuals who articulated visions of what was to be, Thomas Mntzer, Hans Hergot, Augustin Bader, and Jan Matthias. The second theme is Antichrist; restitution is the third theme and the final theme is Spirit. Co-published with the Institute for Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies.

Reviews

This book is interesting,...entertaining... -- Donald Opitz, LUTHERAN QUARTERLY * Mennonite Quarterly Review *
...interesting. At a time when historical scholarship is increasingly bifurcated into two camps, the topic is thus an eminently appropriate one for this broader reason as well. At any rate, Klaasen has told the story well. -- Donald Opitz, LUTHERAN QUARTERLY * Journal of Church and State *
...compact and valuable. The reader will find a lively mixture of thematic discussion and case studies of individual figures. -- Donald Opitz, LUTHERAN QUARTERLY * Religious Studies Review *
Walter Klaassen has very successfully contextualized the apocalyptic beliefs of radical Reformers.... -- James M. Stayer, Queen's University, Ontario * Religious Studies Review *
Walter Klaassen has performed an invaluable service for sixteenth century scholars and others interested in the Radical Reformers.... -- H. Wayne Pipkin, The Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries * Religious Studies Review *
The scholarly strengths of this work are obvious...Klaassen is so clear and nonjudgmental... * Mennonite Quarterly Review *
This book is interesting,...entertaining... -- Donald Opitz, LUTHERAN QUARTERLY * Mennonite Quarterly Review *
...interesting. At a time when historical scholarship is increasingly bifurcated into two camps, the topic is thus an eminently appropriate one for this broader reason as well. At any rate, Klaasen has told the story well. -- Donald Opitz, LUTHERAN QUARTERLY * Journal of Church and State *
...compact and valuable. The reader will find a lively mixture of thematic discussion and case studies of individual figures. -- Donald Opitz, LUTHERAN QUARTERLY * Religious Studies Review *
Walter Klaassen has very successfully contextualized the apocalyptic beliefs of radical Reformers.... -- James M. Stayer, Queen's University, Ontario * Religious Studies Review *
Walter Klaassen has performed an invaluable service for sixteenth century scholars and others interested in the Radical Reformers.... -- H. Wayne Pipkin, The Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries * Religious Studies Review *
Pulls together the fruit of many years of original source research in the sixteenth century into a rich and reliable synthetic account. -- John H. Yoder, The Journal of Religion. * Religious Studies Review *
Offers some useful introductory discussion of major themes in the apocalyptic thought of several "radical" figures. -- Robin B. Barnes, Sixteenth Century Journal. * Religious Studies Review *