Already embroiled in superstition, plagues, decadence, poverty, wars, and illiteracy, the Reformation throws 16th century Europe into complete chaos as Protestants, the Church, and Islam vie For the Love of God.

SYNOPSIS:

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD – Series Synopsis

In the late 1400’s, the seeds of the Protestant Reformation are sown. The papacy destroys a peaceful, yet dissident movement in France, Giovanni de’Medici becomes Pope Leo X, and Martin Luther changes his profession to that of a monk.

In 1513, James IV, King of Scots, loses his life in a pivotal battle against Henry VIII. His Queen, Margaret Tudor, and older sister of Henry VIII, prevents Protestantism from taking root, protects her son, James V, from evil nobles, and prepares him to combat the infant Protestant Reformation.

At the same time, Selim comes to power in the Ottoman Empire, engages in several blood-thirsty battles with neighboring sultanates, triples the size of the Empire, and claims the title Caliph of Islam. His goal, the destruction of Christianity.

Selim teaches his son, Suleiman, to be as much a master of murder, warfare, and treachery so he can be an able successor.

The Reformation spreads to Switzerland where Huldrych Zwingli, a Swiss mercenary and priest of the Church, debates with Catholic theologians and the Zurich Town Council to further his goals for reform of the Church.

Katharina von Zimmern, a local Abbess and member of the town council, frequently runs interference for Zwingli and saves his life from a deadly plague that struck in 1519.

Scandinavia is another zone for conflict as King Christian II murders his opposition in Sweden but is overthrown by Gustav Vasa, an advocate for Lutheranism.

Marguerite d’Alencon, sister of Francis, King of France, and her mentor, Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples a distinguished Sorbonne professor and linguist, introduce the Reformation to France. Both push for reforms without leaving the Church. Lefèvre translates the Bible into French.

No one, however, is more important to this period than Martin Luther who sets the world ablaze with his publication, The Ninety-Five Theses. Combined with their version of the Internet, the printing press, Reformation fires explode.