Watch Reformation Profiles

Name: Reformation Profiles
Cast: Stephen J. Nichols

1969
1 Season
6.4 (5)

Reformation Profiles is a historical documentary series that explores the life and legacy of six influential figures from the Protestant Reformation. Produced by Ligonier Ministries in 2012, this series is hosted by Stephen J. Nichols, a renowned scholar and professor of church history.

Each episode of Reformation Profiles focuses on a different person who played a pivotal role in the Reformation, a movement that began in 16th-century Europe and led to the formation of Protestantism. The six individuals featured in the series are Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, William Tyndale, John Knox, and Hugh Latimer.

Throughout the series, Nichols takes viewers on a journey through history, offering insights into the social, political, and religious landscape of 16th-century Europe. He provides context for the Reformation, explaining the reasons why it was necessary and the challenges faced by those who sought to bring about change.

The first episode of Reformation Profiles focuses on Martin Luther, the German theologian who is credited with sparking the Reformation. Nichols traces Luther's early years, his spiritual crisis, and his eventual break with the Catholic Church, which led to his excommunication and the formation of the Lutheran Church.

The second episode explores the life and teachings of John Calvin, a French theologian who played a key role in the development of Protestant theology. Nichols discusses Calvin's magnum opus, the Institutes of the Christian Religion, and examines his views on predestination and God's sovereignty.

The third episode turns the spotlight on Ulrich Zwingli, a Swiss theologian and leader of the Reformation in Switzerland. Nichols discusses Zwingli's contribution to the development of Protestantism, his views on the Lord's Supper, and his role in the Swiss civil war.

The fourth episode focuses on William Tyndale, an English scholar and theologian who translated the Bible into English. Nichols explores Tyndale's passion for making scripture accessible to ordinary people and his eventual martyrdom at the hands of the Catholic Church.

The fifth episode profiles John Knox, a Scottish preacher and theologian who played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. Nichols discusses Knox's fiery preaching style and his influence on the formation of Presbyterianism.

The final episode of Reformation Profiles features Hugh Latimer, an English bishop who was burned at the stake for his Protestant beliefs. Nichols explores Latimer's courage in the face of persecution and his legacy as a martyr for the cause of religious freedom.

Throughout the series, Nichols brings each figure to life through vivid storytelling and expert analysis. He draws on primary sources, such as letters and sermons, to provide a nuanced and insightful portrait of each person. Nichols also visits key locations, such as Luther's childhood home and the site of Tyndale's martyrdom, to bring the historical context to life.

Reformation Profiles is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Reformation and the development of Protestantism. It offers a fresh perspective on the complex theological and political issues of the time and introduces viewers to six remarkable individuals whose lives and legacies continue to shape the Christian faith today.

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Seasons

7. Questions & Answers

July 17, 2012

In the final part of this series, Stephen Nichols helps believers understand why the Reformation mattered then and now. He answers questions such as what is the greatest threat to Sola Scriptura in the church today, what happened to Puritanism in the United States, and more.

6. Soli Deo Gloria: Glorifying God in Everything

July 17, 2012

The Reformers of the sixteenth and seventeenth century understood well the importance of not divorcing "religious life" and "normal life" as all of life is to be lived for the glory of God. In the sixth part of this series, Stephen Nichols explains how Soli Deo Gloria, "the glory of God alone," drove the Reformers in every area of life.

5. Solus Christus: John Calvin & the Blessing of Christ Alone

July 17, 2012

Throughout his life, John Calvin clung to the promise of eternal life, letting it infuse and shape everything he did. In the fifth part of this series, Stephen Nichols demonstrates how Calvin understood the principle of solus Christus ("Christ alone"), believing that the blessing of salvation by grace through faith alone awaits those who cling to our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

4. Sola Fide: Lady Jane Grey & the Rediscovery of Justification by Faith

July 17, 2012

Paul and Silas' exhortation to the Philippian jailer in Acts 16:30 reminds that salvation comes through grace by faith alone. The Word of God is replete with similar assertions. In the fourth part of this series, Stephen Nichols tells the story of Lady Jane Grey and explains why she could face death with confidence.

3. Sola Gratia: Ulrich Zwingli & the Rediscovery of Grace

July 17, 2012

Mankind continually looks internally for solutions that can only be found externally. In the sixteenth century, the Roman Catholic Church had created a system of merit integral for salvation and incumbent upon works. In the third part of this series, Stephen Nichols explains how the weight of these demands crushed Christians throughout Europe.

2. Sola Scriptura: Martin Luther & The Rediscovery of the Authority of Scripture

July 17, 2012

In the early sixteenth century, the place of the Word of God had shifted in the Roman Catholic Church and the Bible no longer stood as the central authority upon which the Christian life rested. In the second part of this series, Stephen Nichols explains how this condition would begin to change.

1. Why the Reformation Matters

The Reformation of the sixteenth century emphasized a return to the Word of God as a remedy for the theological deficiencies of the Roman Catholic Church. In the first part of this series, Stephen Nichols discusses how the church today faces similar problems to the church of yesteryear, albeit packaged and branded in different forms.

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