Luther: A Guide for the Perplexed

This is an upper-level introduction to the German Reformer Martin Luther, who by his thought and action started the Reformation movement. Martin Luther was one of the most influential and important figures of the second millennium. His break with Rome and the development of separate Evangelical churches affected not just the religious life of Europe but also social and political landscapes as well. More books have been written about Luther than nearly any other historical figure. Despite all these books, Luther remains an enigmatic figure. This book proposes to examine a number of key moments in Luther's life and fundamental theological positions that remain perplexing to most students. This book will also present an introduction to the primary sources available to a student and important secondary works that ought to be consulted. The Guides for the Perplexed series are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Autorentext

David Whitford is professor in the Dept. of Religion at Baylor University, USA. He is the author of Tyranny and Resistance: The Lutheran Tradition and the Magdeburg Confession (2001); Reformation and Early Modern Europe: A Guide to Research, (ed., 2007) as well as numerous articles on Reformation Europe. He is the associate editor of The Sixteenth Century Journal.

Inhalt

I. Introduction to Luther's Life and Times:
Chapter 1: Luther's Late Medieval Context

Chapter 2: Luther's Life

II. Luther's Theology for the Perplexed

Chapter 3: Justification by Faith: The Three Solas

Chapter 4: Law and Gospel

Chapter 5: The Bondage of the Will: Debating Erasmus

Chapter 6: Sacraments

Chapter 7: The Church

Chapter 8: Apocalypticism and the Antichrist

III. Luther's Social and Political Engagements

Chapter 9: The Peasants' War

Chapter 10: Soldiers, War, and the Turks

Chapter 11: Politics, Authority, and Just Resistance

Chapter 12: The Late Luther: On the Jews and other Controversial Writings