The Obedience of a Christian Man (Penguin Classics) - Religious Book for Christian Living, Bible Study & Spiritual Growth - Perfect for Personal Devotion & Church Groups

This small book (235 pages of which 26 pages are endnotes) is the second of three texts William Tyndale published in the wake of his 1526 New Testament- the first English Bible. "The Obedience of a Christian Man" ("Obedience") offers considerable early Protestant theology with occasional glimpses into the Reformation as it is happening. "Obedience" is a preeminent primary source.Much of what contemporary English speaking Protestant Christians assume (God is the source of life, God rules through human leaders, leave a place for Divine vengeance, believing leaders should rule with truth, Christ is the believer's mediator before God, etc.) is originally offered here. Writing from the Reformation's genesis, Tyndale is the first to proffer an English theology.Editor David Daniell provides a helpful text with this paperback edition (2000). He alters Tyndale's 16th century language slightly for the sake of contemporary learning. Readers are focused by "Obedience's" idioms and practical theological application as well as amused by its various Reform era words (i.e. "volo", "shriven", aneled", "neverthelater", "menpleasers", etc.). These terms are presented with no textual definition and thus help convey the book's 16th century flavor. These idioms do not distract Tyndale's original theological tenants from effective 21st century application."Obedience" is somewhat technical and assumes readers' biblical familiarity. Tyndale is replete with Scripture quotes, and illusions. His illustrations are interesting- taken from his 1520s and 30s life as a fugitive from King Henry VIII's sheriffs (William Tyndale was ultimately captured in Belgium and burned as a heretic on October 6, 1536... 470 years ago this month). (Beware, as with all the earliest Protestant Reformers, Tyndale has a pronounced disregard, and verbal dislike, for Roman Catholic clergy and the Pope.) This book is recommended to all 16th century buffs, theology students, church historians, and pastors.