Search results for ""Author Paul R. Waibel""

The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries witnessed a transition in the history of Western Civilization, during which the world of medieval Christendom began to give way to a new world order. Western medieval civilization—a synthesis of classical humanism and Judeo-Christianity—was overseen by the Holy Roman Empire and the Roman Catholic Church. People of the day believed in an orderly universe created by God and a great chain of being. This secure hierarchy was shattered when scientists, philosophers, and theologians began to explore the world around them with new eyes. Meanwhile, a number of national monarchs sought control of the church within their territories in order to secure a strong, unified nation-state apart from the influence of the Roman church. One avenue to control was provided for these monarchs by the Reformation, begun in 1517 by the obscure German monk Martin Luther. Because of his personal experience, reflection, and study of scripture, this religious scholar revised his Catholic faith to the alarm and contempt of Rome. Before long, Luther was accused of heresy, and the Reformation was underway. In this concise and thoughtfully prepared volume, Paul Waibel introduces readers to Luther with a brief biography followed by chapters that address why Luther chose to risk his life by challenging the authority of the papacy. Next, Luther’s most important Reformation writings are considered in chronological order. Among the writings discussed are his The Ninety Five Theses, To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, Concerning the Reform of the Christian Church, The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, The Freedom of the Christian, and The Bondage of the Will, as well as his two most controversial publications, Against the Robbing and Murdering Hordes of Peasants and On the Jews and Their Lies, which some books on Luther gloss over or ignore. In this highly readable and thoughtfully prepared volume, Dr. Waibel provides a brief and accessible introduction to one of the most influential persons in European and church history, making it an ideal supplement to wide variety of courses including World and Western Civilization, European History, Renaissance and Reformation, and, naturally, the History of Religion and Christianity. The appendix provides an annotated list of Luther’s extensive writings.

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A comprehensive yet concise introduction to Western Civilization, designed to interest and engage contemporary studentsWestern Civilization: A Brief History is a concise one-volume survey that covers the subject’s ancient origins through to the early 21st century. Stressing social and intellectual history, rather than merely listing names and dates, this stimulating resource offers a more consistent and reader-friendly narrative than traditional textbooks. The author, with 40 years’ experience teaching college-level Western Civilization and World History courses, emphasizes topics that stimulate student interest and encourage classroom participation. A mixture of Judeo-Christian, Greco-Roman, Germanic traditions, Western Civilization first appeared in Europe following the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. The text explores key events, figures, themes, and characteristics in the history of Western Civilization. Grouped into six parts, chapters include brief chronologies of events, maps, and illustrations. Topics include Europe in the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Reformation, the rise of medieval Christianity, Darwin and the Theory of Evolution, the Industrial Revolution, imperialism, the World Wars of the 20th century, the Cold War, and many others. Written with the needs of today’s students in mind, this textbook: Offers accessible and straightforward coverage of the history of Western Civilization Provides a consistent style of writing and organizational theme Includes chronological overviews of ancient Greece, Rome, and the Near East Western Civilization: A Brief History is an ideal introductory textbook for both traditional and non-traditional programs and Western Civilization courses at universities and colleges, as well as for those in dual enrollment and home school settings.

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Provides an engaging narrative account of modern European history, featuring new chapters on modern Europe and the post-Cold War world Twentieth-Century Europe: 1900 to the Present provides a concise and accessible review of the significant themes and major events that shaped European history from the beginning of the twentieth century. This student-friendly textbook places Europe in a global context as it explores key themes such as the slow unraveling of European colonial and political power throughout the world, the emergence of the United States as a major influence on European politics, the different postwar approaches to European cooperation, and competing perspectives on political, economic, and social questions. Each of the book’s four parts opens with a brief overview, summarizing the main themes of the period and providing historical context to the upcoming chapters. The text is organized chronologically, with each chapter including a brief chronology. Maps, tables, Illustrations, and photographs are scattered throughout. The fourth edition of Twentieth-Century Europe: 1900 to the Present offers an extensive revision of all chapters, including new and updated content on Brexit; terrorist attacks in France, Belgium, Germany, and Britain; the Covid-19 pandemic; the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the rise of right-wing parties in Italy and Hungary; and much more. Discussions of intellectual and cultural trends are included, enabling readers to examine political and economic developments in their historical context. Provides brief chapters suitable for both traditional and non-traditional courses The text is divided into four chronological sections and 12 logically organized and easy to read and comprehend chapters Includes an extensive index and a useful appendix of abbreviations and acronyms Features useful maps, illustrations, and other visual aids to reinforce learning of key themes in European history Twentieth-Century Europe: 1900 to the Present, Fourth Edition is an ideal textbook for undergraduate history courses and an excellent introduction to modern European history for general readers with an interest in the subject.

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