FREE Bond Lectures on British Reformation History (and worth it!)

We all like free stuff, right? April 25-27 (Thursday 7:00. Friday: free spaghetti dinner, 5:45; lecture at 7:00. Saturday, free breakfast, 8:30; lecture at 9:30), Western Reformed Seminary has asked me to deliver three FREE lectures on “THE REFORMATION IN THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD: Why Every Generation Must Have Reformation.” (FREE!

St Andrews Castle with one of my students

and I promise--they'll be worth it!) This will be a mini course in British Reformation history, accompanied by lots of on-location photography from my tours. I'm giving away 6 FREE copies of THE THUNDER, my recent biographical novel on John Knox. I will also have postcards and information about the forthcoming KNOX at 500 Scotland Tour 2014 (registrations are already coming in for this once-in-500-years opportunity). It should be a grand time, open to the public (including free Friday spaghetti dinner and a breakfast Saturday morning). More information: http://www.wrs.edu/

The Ronald W. Taber Lectures each year emphasize our Reformed theology and heritage, and their application to the world. This year well known traveler and author Douglas Bond (see his website) will be speaking on “THE REFORMATION IN THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING WORLD: Why Every Generation Must Have Reformation.” With his excellent photographs he will provide a “virtual tour” of interesting and important places in England and Scotland.

Thursday-Saturday, April 25-27

THURSDAY NIGHT, 7:00 p.m., “Reformation in England” (Early Stirrings: Bradwardine and Wycliffe. 16th-Century Reformation: Latimer, Cranmer, Ridley)

FRIDAY NIGHT, 7:00 p.m., “Reformation in Scotland” (Early Stirrings: Patrick Hamilton and Wishart. 16th and 17th-Centuries: John Knox and the Covenanters) (Free Spaghetti in the Spring dinner at 5:45 prior to the lecture)

SATURDAY MORNING, 9:30-11:30 a.m., “Reformational Psalms and Hymns in English: The central role of singing in the Reformation” (Free breakfast at 8:30 prior to the lecture)

THE THUNDER, a novel on JOHN KNOX coming soon!

June release, 2012

THE THUNDER, a novel on John Knox, my second adult fiction historical novel (companion to The Betrayal) to release in June with P&R Publishing. "The Thunder is a gripping novel sure to stir the faith of anyone who longs to see the triumph of God's Word in our own time." Richard Phillips, pastor and author of THE MASCULINE MANDATE

I am discovering that writing some books is more fun than writing others. I am pleased with the final product on this novel, but the process was very difficult for me. Maybe there were things I needed to learn that were painful to learn; I don't know for sure. But looking back now (I finished the initial draft 13 months ago), it was a rich experience. Nearly three times the word count of THE MIGHTY WEAKNESS OF JOHN KNOX, my profile biography with Reformation Trust (Ligonier), I think it will make a good companion read to the non-fiction biography. You can listen to RADIO INTERVIEWS on both books about John Knox.

“In his latest novel, The Thunder, Douglas Bond deftly escorts us into the sixteenth-century world of John Knox through the eyes of a young student—an ideal means of letting the reader observe and experience the life of Knox firsthand. Bond’s careful use of language suited to the time period allows for a seamless flow from narrative to the actual text of Knox’s powerful sermons, while rich, descriptive passages paint a vivid picture of Scotland and England during the Reformation. The spiritual aspect of the story is richer still, inviting the reader to wrestle with the Gospel truths Knox so fearlessly preached. A fine work, honoring the memory and message of the Thundering Scot.”
                                           Liz Curtis Higgs, best-selling author of the Lowlands of Scotland series

Join us for a SCOTTISH REFORMATION evening, November 27, 2010

In that after Thanksgiving lull, come out and commemorate the 450th of the Scottish Reformation, 1560-2010!

Where? Gig Harbor Library, Peninsula Room (same location as Calvin last year)
When? Saturday evening, November 27, 2010 -- 6:30 pm
Who? EVERYONE! Free and open to the public.

What's going to happen?
      1. Authentic Scottish Shortbread
      2. BAGPIPER: My son Rhodri Douglas Bond playing favorite bagpipe tunes 
      3. Talks, discussion, and Q & A:
             Does the Reformation Matter Today?
             (Rev. Leldon Partain, Rosedale Reformed Church)
And...
Did John Knox Hate Women? His Life & Legacy                                                               (Author/Teacher Douglas Bond, gleanings from research and writing for my forthcoming book, THE MIGHTY WEAKNESS OF JOHN KNOX, Reformation Trust, to release April, 2011)

During the talks, we'll be sharing recent images from Scotland, taken last April on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh, St. Andrews and beyond.

AND I'll be giving away three books (DUNCAN'S WAR, KING'S ARROW, REBEL'S KEEP) to participants in the Q & A time.

Come yourself! Bring the family (coloring for children)! Invite your friends and neighbors!