Living at the End of the Ages

This book seeks to capture the apocalyptic expectation in the 16th century German-speaking Europe, especially as articulated by the groups and individuals collectively called the Radical Reformation. Attention is paid also to Luther and his fellow-reformers to show that apocalyptic expectation was not limited to the socially disadvantaged strata of society. A summary of apocalyptic expectation from the beginnings of the church through the Middle Ages forms the essential background and setting for 16th century hopes. The body of work consists of the discussion of four apocalyptic themes. The first is a sketch of four individuals who articulated visions of what was to be, Thomas M_ntzer, Hans Hergot, Augustin Bader, and Jan Matthias. The second theme is Antichrist; restitution is the third theme and the final theme is Spirit. Co-published with the Institute for Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies.