Discourse on Free Will (Continuum Impacts) [Paperback]

Desiderius Erasmus (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0826477941 | ISBN-13: 978-0826477941

Desiderius Eramsus (1466/9-1536) was the most renowned scholar of his age, a celebrated humanist and Classicist, and the first teacher of Greek at Cambridge. An influential figure in the Protestant Reformation, though without ever breaking from the Church himself, he satirised both human folly and the corruption of the Church. Martin Luther (1483-1546) was the founder of the German Reformation. His 95 Theses became a manifesto for reform of the Catholic Church and led to his being tried for heresy. He remained in Germany, Professor of Biblical Exegesis at the University of Wittenburg, until his death, publishing a large number of works, including three major treatises and a translation of the New Testament into German. Comprising Erasmus's The Free Will and Luther's The Bondage of the Will, Discourse on Free Will is a landmark text in the history of Protestantism. Encapsulating the perspective on free will of two of the most important figures in the history of Christianity, it remains to this day a powerful, thought-provoking and timely work. Translated and edited by Ernst F. Winter>

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Discourse also seems to have something to offer on a broader level. It provides an example of two approaches to interpreting a theological tension—Erasmus maintains it and Luther tries to resolve it by absorbing one of the poles into the other. Even if the latter course often seems simpler, how often does it do justice to all the biblical evidence?" Evangelical Journal Fall 2006

(Robby J. Kagarise )

The Discourse also seems to have something to offer on a broader level. It provides an example of two approaches to interpreting a theological tension—Erasmus maintains it and Luther tries to resolve it by absorbing one of the poles into the other. Even if the latter course often seems simpler, how often does it do justice to all the biblical evidence?” Evangelical Journal Fall 2006

(, )

About the Author

Desiderius Eramsus (1466/9-1536) was the most renowned scholar of his age, a celebrated humanist and Classicist, and the first teacher of Greek at Cambridge. An influential figure in the Protestant Reformation, though without ever breaking from the Church himself, he satirised both human folly and the corruption of the Church. Martin Luther (1483-1546) was the founder of the German Reformation. His 95 Theses became a manifesto for reform of the Catholic Church and led to his being tried for heresy. He remained in Germany, Professor of Biblical Exegesis at the University of Wittenburg, until his death, publishing a large number of works, including three major treatises and a translation of the New Testament into German.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (March 4, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0826477941
• ISBN-13: 978-0826477941
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,938 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Martin Luther (1483-1546) initiated the Protestant Reformation. As a priest and theology professor, he confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his The Ninety-Five Theses in 1517. Luther strongly disputed their claim that freedom from God's punishment of sin could be purchased with money. His refusal to retract all of his writings at the demand of Pope Leo X in 1520 and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at the Edict of Worms meeting in 1521 resulted in his excommunication by the pope and condemnation as an outlaw by the emperor. Martin Luther taught that salvation is not from good works, but a free gift of God, received only by grace through faith in Jesus as redeemer from sin. His theology challenged the authority of the pope of the Roman Catholic Church by teaching that the Bible is the only source of divinely revealed knowledge and opposed sacerdotalism by considering all baptised Christians to be a holy priesthood. Those who identify with Luther's teachings are called Lutherans. His translation of the Bible into the language of the people (instead of Latin) made it more accessible, causing a tremendous impact on the church and on German culture. It fostered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation into English of the King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of singing in churches. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage, allowing Protestant priests to marry.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an inside look at the ideas that made the Reformation, May 14, 2000

By 

Finn Darsinla (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discourse on Free Will (Milestones Of Thought) (Paperback)

Luther once said that the Catholic Church stands or falls on the question of justification and free will: salvation by faith alone, or must the human soul respond? Get a first-hand peek at what Luther thought of the Catholic Church's teachings, and how Erasmus, a Catholic bishop, replied. Don't think you understand the Reformation or the "protest" inherent in Protestantism until you read this book. This is Luther at his fist-pounding best; but Erasmus is sophisticated, irenic, and penetrating. The key question is: who was right? If you're a Christian, don't decide until you've read this cover to cover.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Abridged, July 21, 2008

By 

Anon - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discourse on Free Will (Continuum Impacts) (Paperback)

Be advised the Luther is *heavily* abridged. The book itself is not very clear about this fact which becomes obvious as you read it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Ongoing Debate, April 22, 2007

By 

Ryan Leack (Fullerton, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Discourse on Free Will (Milestones Of Thought) (Paperback)

I purchased this book for my "Formation of Modern Christianity" class and am in the process of writing my term paper on the debate between Erasmus and Luther on the issue of free will. This book does an excellent job of reviewing Erasmus' case for free will and briefly summarizes Luther's case for the bondage of will, as well. Buy this book if you'd like a concise review of this ongoing debate.