The Reformers 

JOHN WYCLIFFE, The Morning Star (75 min., $20 DVD) John Wycliffe is a dramatic biography of the life of the 14th century scholar and cleric who translated the Bible into English for the first time. Wycliffe found himself in the middle of religious, political and social conflicts. An Oxford scholar, one of Europe's most renowned philosophers, he was a defender of English nationalism against the power of the pope and a champion of the poor against the injustices of the rich. John Wycliffe taught that God's forgiveness cannot be bought with indulgences. He preached that the only true authority is the Word of God, and the Word could only be understood by all if the people could read it in their native tongue. John Wycliffe captures the trials and heroic struggles of this significant man of faith - the "Morning Star" of the Reformation.

Special Features: English, Spanish, Portuguese, and German language tracks available.  Biography of director Tony Tew. Study guide from "Reformation Overview" in PDF format. Winner of “Best Film of the Year” Award from the Christian Film Distribution Association.

MARTIN LUTHER - 50th Anniversary Edition - (105 min., $20 DVD) The dramatic black and white classic film of Martin Luther’s life made in the 1950s. This film was originally released in theaters worldwide and nominated for an Academy Award. A magnificent depiction of Luther and the forces at work in the surrounding society that resulted in his historic reforming efforts. This film traces Luther’s life from a guilt-burdened monk to his eventual break with the Roman Church. This film, in spite of its age, continues to be a popular resource to introduce Luther’s life.

Special Features: Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German and Korean. Subtitles: English Viewing Format: Full screen, Black and White. Bonus Materials: Biography of a Film with Robert E. A. Lee. Bios and photos of the actors and production personnel. Full-color tour of Martin Luther sites. Chapter titles for easy scene access.
 

JOHN HUS (55 min., $20 DVD) Here is an important chapter in the steps leading up to the Reformation. The history books make little mention of John Hus, the Bohemian priest and scholar who lived 100 years before Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Yet, John Hus was convinced and taught openly that the Bible should be presented in the language of the people, that salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, and the Word of God is the final authority. John Hus taught in the University of Prague and as a pastor, challenged the abuses of medieval Christendom.

Intrigue and false promises weave a powerful story of one man’s commitment to faith in Jesus Christ. John Hus was summoned to the Council of Constance and promised safety, but he was betrayed. In the end, John Hus was accused, imprisoned, and charged with heresy. Ultimately, John Hus was condemned and burned at the stake as a heretic.

Special Features: 55-minute version in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French, with or without English subtitles. 30-minute abridged version in English. Study materials in pdf format--Christian History magazine article on Hus, study guide pages from Reformation Overview.

GOD'S OUTLAW, The Story of William Tyndale (93 min., $20 DVD) A true story, God's Outlaw is about international politics, church intrigue, cold-blooded betrayal, and false justice ending in a criminal's death. But it's also about victorious faith and spiritual triumph over some of the greatest political and religious forces known in the 16th century.

A simple God-seeking man, William Tyndale somehow became one of the most wanted men in England and all of Europe. Pursued by King Henry VIII, Lord Chancellor Sir Thomas More, and the Pope's personal legate Cardinal Wolsey, he darted across Europe to avoid capture--always pushing to complete the task that obsessed him.

The task was translating the Bible into English and publishing it for his fellow countrymen--Englishmen who lived in a country where the Bible and even prayers in English were outlawed by a harsh and rigid religious establishment. Today he is renowned as "the father of the English Bible," and is recognized as one of the major leaders of the English Reformation. But the tale of how he lived and died as "God's outlaw" is a compelling "rest-of-the-story," and is especially a moving encouragement for modern people of faith.

Special Features: Available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and Korean, with or without English subtitles. Chapter titles for easy scene access. Biographical information on director and leading actors. In the DVD-ROM folder: Christian History magazine article and study guide/worksheets in PDF format. Abridged version with commentary by Ken Curtis.

ROGER WILLIAMS - Freedom's Forgotten Hero - (45 min., $20 DVD) Voted one of the ten most important stories of the second millennium. Roger Williams founder of the state of Rhode Island as a haven of religious freedom for all. The story of a courageous, passionate, God-intoxicated man, who fought for liberty of conscience - America's greatest gift to humankind.