Luther: Man Between God and the Devil Heiko A. Oberman Yale University Press (1989) * * * If you want to read a biography of Martin Luther, it is probably wise to start with one that outlines his life and times in fairly standard terms. I would recommend Roland Bainton’s classic, Here I Stand: AContinue reading “IM Book Review: An Apocalyptic Luther”
Category Archives: Luther
“The Church’s Richest Jewels”
In 1539, late in his career, Martin Luther wrote “On the Councils and the Church.” One avenue for reformation that Luther and others had regularly called for was a church council. Over the course of time, however, Luther became disillusioned that a “free, Christian council” could be convened that would properly reform the church andContinue reading ““The Church’s Richest Jewels””
Luther on Holy Days
I am reading lots o’ Luther these days for my seminary class, so I will probably inflict a fair amount of it on you, our dear Internet Monk readers. Today, I am reflecting on one of Luther’s later works, On the Councils and the Church, in which the Reformer writes about the role of churchContinue reading “Luther on Holy Days”
A Prayer of Martin Luther
Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love may go out to my neighbor. I do not have a strong and firm faith; at times I doubtContinue reading “A Prayer of Martin Luther”
Luther Gives Us Free Sins, Too
Long before our good brother Steve Brown started offering people free sins, a German monk with a passion for Christ, grace, and freedom did the same. Martin Luther’s classic book, On the Freedom of a Christian (or Concerning Christian Liberty), 1520, is one of the most fundamental books in Luther’s canon and one of theContinue reading “Luther Gives Us Free Sins, Too”
Ten Reasons to Love Luther
How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (5/conclusion) Thanks for participating in this week of reflections on various elements of Lutheran teaching that I believe answer specific concerns about contemporary American evangelicalism. There are others, and I’m sure we will discuss them in future posts. But we will conclude for now with a fewContinue reading “Ten Reasons to Love Luther”
How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (4)
This week I have been giving some examples to show how concerns I have had over the years about evangelicalism are answered by the traditional teachings of historic Lutheranism. We will finish this series up with two final posts. In the first, I want to discuss an emphasis that Martin Luther and his heirs haveContinue reading “How the Lutheran Tradition Answers Many Post-Evangelical Concerns (4)”
Cheerfulness that Mocks the Devil
Martin Luther regularly gave personal and pastoral counsel to his friends to seek cheerfulness. He himself was subject to discouragement and depression, which he usually attributed to the attacks of the devil. His letters and table-talk have much to say about ways of overcoming dark moods. Luther’s advice is characteristically earthy and bold, while atContinue reading “Cheerfulness that Mocks the Devil”
Pope Benedict on Common Ground and Present Challenges
Yesterday, we noted the historic meetings the Pope has been having with his Lutheran brethren in Germany. In his address to representative of the Evangelical Church, Pope Benedict XVI expresses his appreciation for Martin Luther, particularly his focus on the most fundamental questions of God, sin, and how human beings can know the grace ofContinue reading “Pope Benedict on Common Ground and Present Challenges”
Pope Benedict on “The Burning Question of Martin Luther”
On our iMonk Bulletin Board (in the right column) we recently posted news of historic meetings the Pope has been having with his Lutheran brethren in Germany. In an article from the Catholic News Service, Rev. Nikolaus Schneider, head of the Evangelical Church in Germany introduced Pope Benedict XVI and noted his hopes for theContinue reading “Pope Benedict on “The Burning Question of Martin Luther””
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