Reformation Women: Sixteenth-Century Figures Who Shaped Christianity’s Rebirth

Women are an essential element in church history. Just as Deborah, Esther, and the New Testament Marys helped shape Bible history, so the women of the Reformed church have helped to make its history great. In Reformation Women, Rebecca Vandoodewaard introduces readers to twelve sixteenth-century women who are not as well known today as contemporaries like Katie Luther and Lady Jane Grey. Providing an example to Christians today of strong service to Christ and His church, these influential, godly women were devoted to Reformation truth, in many cases provided support for their husbands, practiced hospitality, and stewarded their intellectual abilities. Their strength and bravery will inspire you, and your understanding of church history will become richer as you learn how God used them to further the Reformation through their work and influence.

148 pages.

Contents

Preface
Introduction

1. Anna Reinhard
2. Anna Adlischweiler
3. Katharina Schütz
4. Margarethe Blaurer
5. Marguerite de Navarre
6. Jeanne d’Albret
7. Charlotte Arbaleste
8. Charlotte de Bourbon
9. Louise de Coligny
10. Katherine Willoughby
11. Renee of Ferrara
12. Olympia Morata

Conclusion

Appendix A: Time Line
Appendix B: Family Trees
Bibliography

Endorsements

“The modern resurgence of Reformed theology, publishing, and ministry is not just for those with beards. Nor has it ever been, for a healthy Calvinism has always seen women making incredible contributions. With crisp prose showing how biblical femininity resulted in a strength among a dozen Reformed women that was both “tough and ladylike,” Rebecca VanDoodewaard has done all the church-both men and women-a tremendous service in providing this work. She brings the lesser-known ladies from Good’s original Famous Women of the Reformed Church alive for a new generation.”
-Barry York, professor of pastoral theology and dean of faculty, Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary

“When this book arrived on my doorstep, I was anxious to read it. Few accessible works exist on the heroines of the Reformation, so I read these biographies with the desire to learn. But I walked away with more than learning; I was challenged and inspired. I have new heroes of the faith, and so will every Christian who reads this wonderful collection. Thank you, Rebecca Vandoodewaard, for introducing many of us to these saintly women and sharing their testimonies- testimonies that can’t help but encourage every saint to live more for Christ.”
-Jason Helopoulos, associate pastor, University Reformed Church, Lansing, Michigan

“Reformation Women is a book of rare quality and interest as Rebecca VanDoodewaard opens up a whole new dimension in the ongoing story of Christ’s church. We learn of the enormous contribution made by twelve women to the progress of the Reformation in the sixteenth century. Here we have women from diverse backgrounds-some of whose names we can hardly pronounce-whom God raised up and used in a remarkable way. You will be humbled and inspired by these pages and long to serve God better in whatever sphere you have been placed.”
-Faith Cook, author of Lady Jane Grey: Nine Day Queen of England and several other Christian biographies and historical books