[Note: This book includes Edward VI's Treatise Against the Primacy of the Pope]
As Martin Luther and John Calvin fought the grip of Catholicism on continental Europe, spiritual darkness and superstition continued to reign in England. But God was working there. Ten years after William Tyndale prayed that God would open the king of England's eyes, a strong warrior for God took the throne. His name was Edward VI and he was nine years old. During his six year reign, Edward showed such wisdom and strength that Reformist John Calvin called him the best of fathers, and Reformist John Knox proclaimed him the most godly king of England. Such work did Edward do in turning England to the Reformed faith that he was named by many the British Josiah, after King Josiah of the Bible. With extensive quotes from Edward and those around him, Woychuk tells the forgotten story of one of England's youngest and godliest kings.
Morality
All the morality is solidly based on biblical principles, and all vices are strongly put down. Though many of the characters, including Edward and Archbishop Cranmer, do sin sometimes, they repent and turn from it.
Spiritual Content
Written with a Protestant Christian worldview, it has many references to and quotes from the Bible, mentions of God, Satan, Heaven, Hell, etc. It also discusses many of the superstitions of the Catholic church.
Violence
Several people are executed by beheading or burning, mostly martyrs. This is not described.
Drug and Alcohol Content
Several negative mentions of drunkenness.
Sexual Content
The immorality in the lives of many in the Church is mentioned and condemned.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
It is stated that a couple of characters swore once, and they are punished for it.
Conclusion
Filled with extensive historical information, The British Josiah takes the reader back to the time of Wycliffe and shows what events led up to Edward's reign, details Edward's life and time as king, and then summarizes the effect which Edward's reign had on the country through the following centuries.
Though I had researched both the Reformation and the House of Tudor before, nowhere had I found hints of Edward's remarkable wisdom and godliness. My would-be doubts about this book's accuracy were swept away by the fact that Woychuk makes most of his statements through direct quotes from those he is referring to.
Except that some of these quotes take a high reading level, The British Josiah was very understandable and enjoyable. I and my eleven-year-old brother with whom I read it were inspired, convicted, and encouraged by this incredible story. It not only taught us history but amazed us by God's power and work.
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