The Cambridge Companion to Martin Luther

This Companion provides an accessible introduction to Martin Luther for students of theology and history.

Donald K. McKim (Edited by)

9780521016735, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 July 2003

340 pages
22.6 x 15 x 2.5 cm, 0.45 kg

'… sustains a high level of discussion and provides over 300 pages of essays on different aspects of its subject. The book contains much of real value, and combines biographical, bibliographical, historical and theological approaches. Its strength is the attention it gives to the variety of roles Luther played in his life and to the way Luther has been read and used in subsequent history. The volume manages to cover a good deal of ground and offers a comprehensive guide to the state of Luther studies today. … a useful addition to the literature, and is a valuable introductory guide. … as a general book introducing the reader to themes in Luther studies today, it serves a valuable purpose and deserves adding to libraries and bookshelves of those responsible for teaching Luther.' International Journal of Systematic Theology

Martin Luther (1483–1546) stands as one of the giant figures in history. His activities, writings, and legacy have had a huge effect on the western world. This Cambridge Companion provides an accessible introduction to Martin Luther for students of theology and history and for others interested in the life, work and thought of the first great Protestant reformer. The book contains eighteen chapters by an international array of major Luther scholars. Historians and theologians join here to present a full picture of Luther's contexts, the major themes in his writings, and the ways in which his ideas spread and have continuing importance today. Each chapter serves as a guide to its topic and provides further reading for additional study. The Companion will assist those with little or no background in Luther studies, while teachers and Luther specialists will find this accessible volume an invaluable aid to their work.

Notes on contributors
Preface
Chronology
List of abbreviations
Part I. Luther's Life and Context: 1. Luther's life Albrecht Beutel
2. Luther's Wittenberg Helmar Junghans
Part II. Luther's Work: 3. Luther's writings Timothy F. Lull
4. Luther as bible translator Eric W. Gritsch
5. Luther as an interpreter of holy scripture Oswald Bayer
6. Luther's theology Markus Wriedt
7. Luther's moral theology Bernd Wannenwetsch
8. Luther as preacher of the Word of God Fred W. Meuser
9. Luther's spiritual journey Jane E. Strohl
10. Luther's struggle with social-ethical issues Carter Lindberg
11. Luther's political encounters David M. Whitford
12. Luther's polemical controversies Mark U. Edwards Jr
Part III. After Luther: 13. Luther's function in an age of confessionalization Robert Kolb
14. The legacy of Martin Luther Hans J. Hillerbrand
15. Approaching Luther James A. Nestingen
Part IV. Luther Today: 16. Luther and modern church history James M. Kittelson
17. Luther's contemporary theological significance Robert W. Jenson
18. Luther in the worldwide church today Günther Gassmann
Select bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Christian theology [HRCM]