The Spirit and Forms of Protestantism

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely essential reading for both Prots & Caths
Review: "The Spirit and Forms of Protestantism" is a critically engaged yet remarkably sympathetic analysis of the Protestant Reformation by a Lutheran who converted to Catholicism. In the first half he praises the key positive principles of the Reformation, showing how they are good, true, and fundamentally Catholic. In part two he shows how those same great principles have been continuously and inevitably undermined by and among the Reformers (and their heirs) as a result of Protestantism's failure to properly critique and throw off the nominalistic philosophical framework of the late medieval period. He clearly explains how the positive principles of the Reformation and Protestantism can only be sustained and flourish within the Catholic Church.

Whether Protestant or Catholic, you should read this book. It is absolutely crucial to understanding what unites & divides Protestants and Catholics, and how to preserve untainted the truths we hold most dear.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely essential reading for both Prots & Caths
Review: Bouyer has a masterpiece of Christian writing in this work. It is written with the heart of an apostle seeking truth and nothing but truth. He looks at all the good that Protestantism has accomplished in its teachings and fervor for Christ and then shows the flaws that underlie the entire system. He then goes on to show in amazing fluidity and detail how the good the comes from Protestantism can only come to its fullest potential in the Catholic Church. Wonderful argument, original thesis and great writing. What a book!

Rating:
Summary: Important and foundational
Review: Bouyer has a masterpiece of Christian writing in this work. It is written with the heart of an apostle seeking truth and nothing but truth. He looks at all the good that Protestantism has accomplished in its teachings and fervor for Christ and then shows the flaws that underlie the entire system. He then goes on to show in amazing fluidity and detail how the good the comes from Protestantism can only come to its fullest potential in the Catholic Church. Wonderful argument, original thesis and great writing. What a book!