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"God's Outlaw is an enthralling true history of one man who eluded the forces of King Henry VIII who ordered his capture while translating the Bible into English. As the escapee, William Tyndale had just the goal of publication of his English translations of the Bible, his home county forbade translations to English of even prayers. Highly recommended to Christians of all practices and to any seeking an understanding of the whole story behind "the father of the English Bible," William Tyndale."
(Christian Library Journal)
"Many dissatisfied people in the 15th and 16th century worked slowly for church reform. Others, such as William Tyndale and John Hus, eagerly promoted salvation as totally through faith in Jesus Christ. Tyndale and Hus translated the Holy Scriptures, and wanted each person to read the Bible in their own language. Vision Video offers two films about these times: John Hus: A Powerful, True Story, and God's Outlaw: The Story of William Tyndale. Hus quoted Romans 4 and 5, as he preached in a Bohemian chapel. He spoke of peace with God through Jesus Christ. John Hus asked, "Where does it say in Scriptures that a man can buy his way into Heaven?" The established church intensely disliked Hus. He was burned at the stake on July 6, 1415. William Tyndale also worked against the established church, the tradition of keeping all Scripture in Latin. Tyndale wrangled with colorful Henry VIII, fled the Europe, and was eventually betrayed.
Both DVD's offer touching scenes. Hus languished in a filthy prison, and remembers his mother's teachings. Another encouraging scene involved workmen preparing the stake and the wood to burn John Hus. One worker marveled, "He believes it's not necessary to pay for a blessing. He thinks faith is enough to be forgiven." That conversation should encourage all Christians. Hus never met the workmen, yet he influenced them greatly. While in prison, Tyndale requested his friends to bring a warm hood, and cloth to patch his leggings. He especially wanted a Hebrew grammar. Such was the man's devotion to translating the Scripture. He paid for his views at a fiery stake. Excellent study materials are included in pdf format. I especially like the articles linked to Christian History magazine. Both films have received significant awards, including recognition from the Christian Film Distributors Association."
(School Library Journal)
"This feature-length production, filmed in England, highlights the life of William Tyndale as he worked to translate the Bible into English. The story of how he lived and died seeks to emphasize the importance of living according to one's convictions. An ardent supporter of church reform, Tyndale traveled across Europe eluding capture wile he worked on the translation. in the end, he was betrayed by a friend and tried for heresy. Some of the historical events and conversations presented here are simplified to make a point, rendering some of them only marginally historically accurate. This lengthy production can be utilized with young adults who have a fair grasp of history and where classes have an opportunity to discuss the more complicated aspects of 16th-century English history, politics, and religion."
(Video Librarian )
"You can thank the 16th century rebel William Tyndale -- the "father of the English Bible" -- for not having to read scripture in Latin, the preferred language of Tudor England's Catholic Church, which kept rigid control over the dissemination of God's word (the Latin Bible assured church leaders that the rabble who formed their congregations would never sully the Word of God with their sweat-stained fingers). William Tyndale changed all of that with his desire to make the Bible available to all, eventually becoming the most hunted man in England (Tyndale would complete his English translation of the New Testament in 1525 in Germany; a decade later he would be executed). Roger Rees (The Emperor's Club, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby) vividly brings Tyndale to life in this feature-length historical drama that draws on the spectacularly beautiful English countryside to tell its story.
DVD extras include an abridged version with commentary by religious scholar Ken Curtis, and a DVD-ROM-accessible article and study guide/worksheets in PDF format. Recommended."
(Libraries Alive)
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