In Spirituality and Reform, Calvin Lane has accomplished two goals. Lane has synthesized and explained dozens of theological movements stretching from the Gregorian reforms of the eleventh century to the Moravians and Pietists of the 1700's and he has challenged the artificial boundaries that scholars use to separate historical periods. His book unites the waves of theological reform rocking Latin Christendom. Lane has written a solid book to explain and emphasize the constantly evolving and consistent nature of Christian theology in pre-modern Europe.
— Sixteenth Century Journal
A superb study of Christian devotion and spirituality in medieval, Reformation and early modern times. Breaking through the old periodization paradigm, this fresh narrative focuses on how people prayed, believed, worshiped, and practiced the faith in an age of change and reform. Highly recommended!
— Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
Calvin Lane’s Spirituality and Reformproposes an attractive alternative to traditional narratives and timelines of premodern Western Christian reform. . . . Spirituality and Reform is an appealing interpretation of premodern Western Christianity and a useful survey of recent topical literature. It continues and advances current scholarly trends with accessible and memorable structure and prose. It may not single-handedly bring about the deconstruction of tedious historiographical barriers, but it certainly makes a clear case for why such deconstruction is necessary.— Church History: Studies in Christianity and Culture
A superb study of Christian devotion and spirituality in medieval, Reformation and early modern times. Breaking through the old periodization paradigm, this fresh narrative focuses on how people prayed, believed, worshiped, and practiced the faith in an age of change and reform. Highly recommended!
— Timothy George, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University
Intended for parish, undergraduate and seminary readers, the book is accessibly written. Lane is well-versed in current scholarship; the endnotes and bibliography are very good. Also valuable is the short list of sources in English for use in teaching.
— Journal of Ecclesiastical History
[T]he book is recommended as a great starting point for studying reform movements within the Western church, suitable for undergraduates, seminarians, and the public.
— Anglican and Episcopal History