1517-1830: Ottoman Empire and Reformers

 

The Ottoman Empire, or Turkish Empire, was a Sunni Islamic state founded in 1299 in northwestern Anatolia. The Ottomans overthrew the Byzantine Empire in 1453 with the conquest of Constantinople. At its height, the Ottoman Empire controlled much of Southeast Europe, Western Asia, the Caucasus, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa. It was at the center of interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries.

During this same time period, in Europe a great Reformation was taking place. Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wycliffe and William Tyndale were among those who battled for reform in the Catholic Church. Their protestant movements paved the way for the restoration of the gospel in the nineteenth century. The covenant people of the Lord were scattered throughout the world, awaiting the dawn of the restoration and the gathering of Israel.

Below are articles related to this time period: 

 

"The Miracle of the Holy Bible," M. Russell Ballard, May 2007 Ensign

 

"400 Years of the King James Bible," Richard N.W. Lambert and Kenneth R. Mays, August 2011 Ensign

 

"What Had to Happen?" March 2005 New Era

 

Church History in the Fulness of Times, Chapter One: Prelude to the Restoration

 

"The Christian Reformation: A Quick Look and Insights," mormon.org Blog

 

"The Constitution - A Glorious Standard," Ezra Taft Benson, May 1976 Ensign

 

"Columbus and the Hand of God," De Lamar Jensen, October 1992 Ensign

 

 

Also available for those who have more time, a three-part series which aired on BYUTV and is available for viewing online, dealing with the English Reformation and the King James Bible: "Fires of Faith."