Zwingli: An Introduction to His Thought

This book, by a leading Reformation scholar, is the only comprehensive introduction to Zwingli's thought for the student and general reader. In it Professor Stephens discusses the main areas of debate in Zwingli studies, and engages with a variety of interpretations of Zwingli. In the opening chapters he places Zwingli in the context of Zurich and Switzerland in the sixteenth century, describes the various influences on Zwingli's development, and outlines his life as a reformer. There follow two chapters which introduce the main themes in Zwingli's thought, and these are related both to the life and work of the man himself as well as to the views of other reformers. A final chapter considers Zwingli as a reformer and theologian. Here, and elsewhere in the book, Professor Stephens points to Zwingli's relevance today. There is a short glossary of theological terms.

Review :
'a comprehensive introduction...that is suitable for both general readers and students' Choice 'many readers will welcome this book not only for its clear exposition of Zwingli's thought against the background of his life, but also because of its attempt at harmonizing the divergences in Zwingli's thought and reconciling the differences between Zwingli's interpreters' Basil Hall, JTS 'W.P. Stephens offers his readers a concise introduction to the principal themes in the theology of Huldrych Zwingli ... Stephens does a good job emphasizing the major themes in Zwingli's theology ... Stephens' slim volume will become the best choice as a text on Zwingli's thought for use in courses on the Reformation ... historians of the German Reformation will surely want to have this volume in their school's library and many well wish to add it to their personal collection.' Mark U. Edwards, Jr., Harvard University, The Historian 'undoubtedly a useful volume, which fulfils what it sets out to do by way of introduction ... this is a good and most welcome introduction to a rather neglected area of Reformation theology' Emma Hebblethwaite, Journal of Theological Studies, Vol. 44, No. 1, April, 1993 'A notable feature of this book is the perceptive insight the author brings to bear in his analysis of Zwingli's thought, but still more, the clarity, even simplicity, in which he expresses these judgments. Profound assessments are written in clear, simple, lucid English. It is this clear thinking and felicity of expression which make the book a joy to read: the author conveys so much knowledge so lightly. Stephens knows his subject, and writes authoritatively with a quiet confidence. He removes mountains of misunderstanding and prejudice, and leaves the reader with a positive and sound judgment on Zwingli. The book is most welcome.' James Atkinson, Centre for Reformation Studies, Sheffield, Anvil, Vol. 10, No. 2, 1993 'Readers will not find in print a fairer treatment of Zwingli, whose name is often taken in vain, especially on the Lord's Supper. This is a book for students of theology and church history, and others with a keen interest in the Reformation.' David F. Wright, University of Edinburgh, The Evangelical Quarterly 'as an introduction which helps fix issues in the mind of the undergraduate and refresh the more advanced, we are much indebted to this work' Mark Elliott, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, Theological Book Review, Vol. 7, No. 1, October 1994 `an important introduction to Zwingli...Stephen's work is unique because most treatments of Zwingli tend to be either biographical or topical...Stephens succinctly covers a widerange of material in this relatively short volume. His introduction to Zwingli's thought will undoubtedly serve as a standard text for those seeking a first-time exposure to the Zurich reformer.' History of Christianity Critical Review `an integrated, short 'comprehensive introduction to Zwingli's thought for the student and general reader'' Euan Cameron, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Scottish Journal of Theology