The Two Reformations: The Journey from the Last Days to the New World

Abstract

In this last collection of his vital, controversial, and accessible writings, Heiko A. Oberman seeks to liberate and broaden our understanding of European Reformation, from its origins in medieval philosophy and theology through Puritan settlers who brought Calvin's vision to New World. Ranging over many topics, Oberman finds fascinating connections between aspects of Reformation and twentieth-century history and thought-most notably connection to Nazism and Holocaust. He revisits his earlier work on history of anti-Semitism, rejects notion of an unbroken line from Luther to Hitler to Holocaust, and offers a new perspective on Christian legacy of anti-Semitism and its murderous result in twentieth century. Oberman demonstrates how simplifications and rigidities of modern historiography have obscured existential spirits of such great figures as Luther and Calvin. He explores debt of both Luther and Calvin to medieval religious thought and impact of diverse features of the long fifteenth century-including Black Death, nominalism, humanism, and Conciliar Movement-on Reformation.