THOMAS CRANMER:
The King’s Ambassador
By David Luckman Christian Focus. 142 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 1 527 108 776
Young and old alike can be inspired by this enjoyable account of the remarkable career of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (1489–1556), who served Kings Henry VIII and Edward VI, and was martyred by Queen Mary.
Although his courage failed him for a time, Cranmer died proclaiming Christ, dramatically recanting his recantation. His time as archbishop saw wonderful progress for the word of God – every parish was provided with a Bible in English. Cranmer produced an evangelical and Reformed Prayer Book in English which, along with the Book of Homilies and The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (the closest the CofE has to a doctrinal basis), was to influence the religious life of our islands and many other nations for centuries.
This latest volume in the CF4Kids Trail Blazers series gives a dramatic retelling of the life of the great archbishop intended for 9–11 year-olds, though this is nowhere explained in the book.
Perhaps I’m a fusspot, but I would have welcomed a brief note relating to if and when the author had used his imagination in describing the weather, smells of food, characters blushing, and details of conversations. There are also some misleading references: Luckman refers to the ‘universities of Cambridge’ (p.22). And I wouldn’t want my children to think that ‘a heretic is someone who holds a belief that is in opposition to the established Church of Rome.’ (p.67)
Luckman makes a valiant attempt to tell a complex 16th-century political and theological story for children. A certain amount of technical vocabulary was inevitable and footnotes explain some terms. Four ‘fact files’ treat some topics a little more fully. But sometimes I thought the language more florid than was necessary. I’m not sure how our brilliant ten-year-old would get on with this book on his own. ‘Thinking Further’ topics give some questions of application and suggested Bible passages for each chapter.
Cranmer’s Christian character shines through attractively here. King Henry admired his learning and sincerity. The gentle archbishop stuck by his friends, even when it might be costly, and showed no addiction to power or wealth. The importance of fellowship for enduring suffering is revealed by the trials of Cranmer’s imprisonment. May this book stimulate thanksgiving and urge many to similar faithfulness.
