Bitesize Biography - Thomas Cranmer

Thomas Cranmer, one of the Reformation's most famous martyrs, can accurately be described as the architect of the Church of England. His involvement in England's break with the Roman Church was crucial. This 'warts and all' biography is, however, honest about Cranmer's weaknesses, not least of all his compromise in the face of difficulty. A real help in understanding where we are today in relation to the gospel.

Compared with other key figures of the Reformation, little has been written about Cranmer in recent years. Here was a man who undertook a life-time journey away from the Roman sacramental system to an understanding that heaven was the gift of God to all those whom he loves. And, despite the fact that we are all fallen men and women, we so often want to see our heroes as giants, able to cope with every situation life throws at them without faltering - Cranmer was not such a man.

Publisher: Evangelical Press
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780852347737

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Colin Hamer is currently chairman of a charity that works with the homeless and other vulnerable groups. Following his graduation from Liverpool University in 1972 with BA (Hons), he spent a short time teaching then pursued a business career for more than twenty-five years. He has been an elder at Grace Baptist Church, Astley, Manchester, for twenty years.

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Colin Hamer’s Thomas Cranmer presents the story of the great English reformer in an appealing manner, with an honest description of his weaknesses and failures as well as a proper emphasis on his good and endearing qualities. An additional benefit from this brief book is a readable and accurate survey of the convoluted English history during the time of Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary Tudor. I was informed and inspired as I read of Cranmer, “the architect of the Church of England”.’
David B. Calhoun Professor Emeritus of Church History at Covenant Theological Seminary.