Zwingli the Pastor: A Life in Conflict

Praise for Zwingli the Pastor

In the best tradition of writing on the Reformation, Stephen Eccher weaves together theology and history, biography and context, and past and present in a book on Zwingli that is both profound and a joy to read. Moving easily between the sixteenth century and our time, this is the ideal book for those who think the Reformation is a distant, forgotten time as well as for those who know it is not. A compelling read.

—F. Bruce Gordon, Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Yale Divinity School; author of Zwingli: God’s Armed Prophet

The recent revival of interest in Huldrych Zwingli is long overdue. Controversial both in life and after his death, Zwingli’s career and beliefs have been much misunderstood. In this succinct introduction, Dr. Eccher opens up the world of this neglected Reformer with sympathy and understanding alongside criticism and disagreement at different points. This is a much-needed guide to a complex man, whose influence on the Reformation has yet to be fully appreciated.

—Gerald Bray, research professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School

Stephen Eccher has provided a helpful work of historical retrieval for ecclesial renewal with this book. Not only does it inform and clarify a complicated Reformation life for modern readers, it also instructs as to the value of remembering the complex. Such work requires the care of a pastor as well as a historian in order to bring a right understanding of Zwingli’s place and contribution—and in that shepherding care Eccher has excelled.

—Jason G. Duesing, provost and professor of historical theology, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Often pushed to the sidelines in studies of the mainline Reformers, Huldrych Zwingli is making a comeback. This book, well-written and carefully researched, makes an important contribution to that effort. Zwingli the pastor shines forth as the shepherd of the church in Zurich and the pioneer of the Reformed tradition. Highly recommended!

—Timothy George, distinguished professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University