A Short Life of Martin Luther

by Thomas Kaufmann, Peter D. S. Krey (Translator)

Overview

Accessible yet authoritative biography of the colorful character who instigated the Protestant Reformation
 
Martin Luther, the Augustinian friar who set the Protestant Reformation in motion with his famous Ninety-Five Theses, was a man of extremes on many fronts. He was both hated and honored, both reviled as a heretic and lauded as a kind of second Christ. He was both a quiet, solitary reader and interpreter of the Bible and the first media-star of history, using the printing press to reach many of his contemporaries and become the most-read theologian of the sixteenth century.
 
Thomas Kaufmann’s concise biography highlights the two conflicting “natures” of Martin Luther, depicting Luther’s earthiness as well as his soaring theological contributions, his flaws as well as his greatness. Exploring the close correlation between Luther’s Reformation theology and his historical context, A Short Life of Martin Luther serves as an ideal introduction to the life and thought of the most important figure in the Protestant Reformation.
 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780802871534
Publisher:	Eerdmans, William B. Publishing Company
Publication date:	10/31/2016
Edition description:	Translatio
Pages:	158
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.90(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Thomas Kaufmann is professor of theology at the University of Göttingen. He was named a Corresponding Fellow of the British Academy in 2020.
 

Table of Contents

Foreword vii

Timeline x

Map of Luther's Germany xii

Introduction 1

1 The Search for Martin Luther 9

2 Living in the Reformation of God 19

3 A Theological Life 54

Epilogue 110

Note on Citations 116

Abbreviations 117

Notes 118

95 Theses 127

Further Reading 137

Index 145

Editorial Reviews

★ 10/03/2016
Timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses, which ushered in the Protestant Reformation, Kaufmann’s short, incisive biography of Luther focuses on the theological import of his subject’s life. Kaufmann conveys the core of Luther’s theology, rooted in the scholar-monk’s conviction of the primacy of scripture over Roman Catholic theological tradition and his unwavering belief that salvation came through grace of God alone, not through works. His sketch of Luther’s life is brief, but Kaufmann does not shy away from controversial topics such as Luther’s anti-Semitism and his harsh reaction to the German Peasants’ War, which alienated him from many of the common people who were once his staunch supporters. Kaufmann, having taken on a daunting task, expertly cuts to the heart of Luther’s thought, illustrating how his religious and intellectual consistency after 1517 drove his life decisions. The book, written in a tone of high seriousness, is impressively clear, providing insights into the mind of a complicated individual. For those who want more, Kaufmann offers a reprint of the 95 theses as well as reading lists on both Luther’s life and the Reformation. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly

A. Trevor Sutton
—author of Being Lutheran
"Pens began to scribble whenever Martin Luther spoke. And, five hundred years later, those pens have still not stopped. Among the many Luther biographies available, however, this one is truly memorable and unique. It is simply written, yet not oversimplified; robust in scholarship, yet welcoming to many readers. Although it is a short life of Martin Luther, this book will cast a long shadow for generations."

John T. Pless
—Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
"This concise but coherent treatment of Martin Luther portrays the Reformer as a man of extreme opposites. . . . A carefully crafted and readable narrative, Kaufmann's Short Life of Martin Luther will enlighten and challenge anyone seeking to better comprehend the person and work of Luther. The English translation of this work is a welcome addition to Reformation scholarship."

Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 theses, which ushered in the Protestant Reformation, Kaufmann's short, incisive biography of Luther focuses on the theological import of his subject's life. Kaufmann conveys the core of Luther's theology, rooted in the scholar-monk's conviction of the primacy of scripture over Roman Catholic theological tradition and his unwavering belief that salvation came through grace of God alone, not through works. His sketch of Luther's life is brief, but Kaufmann does not shy away from controversial topics such as Luther's anti-Semitism and his harsh reaction to the German Peasants' War. . . . The book, written in a tone of high seriousness, is impressively clear, providing insights into the mind of a complicated individual."

From the Publisher