Includes bibliographical references (p. [428]-536) and index.

The religion of the people of Europe -- The vulnerability of the church -- 'Reform' from within and its limits -- Challenges from outside and their limits -- Heresy: an alternative church? -- The church and the Christian soul - - The 'Luther-affair' and its context -- The reformers' message: salvation -- The reformers' message: Scripture -- The reformers' message: the church -- The reformers' message: sacraments -- The conversions of the reformers - - Rejections of reform -- Unsuccessful 'affiliations' to the Reformed cause -- Self-governing towns and cities -- Principalities and kingdoms -- Motives for establishing the Reformation? -- The sects reject the 'Coalition' -- Crisis, survival, and compromise in politics -- Reformers at odds: the 'Confessional' Reformation -- reformers and laymen: a conflict of priorities.