Luther's Ninety-Five Theses [Paperback]

Martin Luther (Author), C. M. Jacobs (Translator), Harold J. Grimm (Designer)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1957

An unabridged, unaltered edition of the Disputation on the Power & Efficacy of Indulgences Commonly Known as The 95 Theses

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress Publishers (January 1957)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800612655
• ISBN-13: 978-0800612658
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #468,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #6 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Protestantism > Lutheran

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Luther's Attack on Indulgences, March 25, 2002

By 

John Vickery (Memphis, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (Paperback)

Luther's Ninety-Five Theses were written in direct response to the practice of selling indulgences in the 1500s. This book begins with an introduction explaining the circumstances under which Luther posted his theses. It does a good job of quickly explaining the main points one needs to know before reading the theses. There are sporadic footnotes in the text to clarify some points. I have a protestant background and found Luther's topics to be techincally Catholic. However, I did not feel lost in my reading. It would be of a great advantange to have some knowledge of the Catholicism of the time. The theses mark the start of the Reformation, and a read-through would be beneficial for any student of history or Protestantism. The book itself is very short (18 pages). Luther's Ninety-Five Theses are readily found from any internet search, and this may be a much more cost-effective option. The introduction may be the only benefit of actually buying this edition.

44 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars GREAT and important work, but this volume is too pricey, June 11, 2000

By 

Bryan_D (Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (Paperback)

First off, let me say that I rate the 95 Theses 5 Stars all the way...the rating above is not about Luther's work, but this volume, which is only 18 pages but costs 4 dollars. That's a little steep. As for the 95 Theses themselves, let me say, "Smashing!" I wish I had been there for the discussion that followed. However, I think it best to have grown up with the benefit of the teaching of justification by faith alone being as common as it is today.

The topic of the theses is the selling of indulgences - they do not really get into justification by faith alone. This was a surprise to me. Luther brings into question both the selling of indulgences and the manner in which they were sold. While reflecting on the book, words like "excellent" and "fascinating" come to mind. Definitely not to be missed.

Still, the price for this itty bitty "book" is too steep; I would recommend getting another volume of Luther that contained this piece, or simply looking the 95 Theses up on the internet.

16 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars 18 Small Pages for How Much?, July 12, 2001

By 

A (Castro Valley, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Luther's Ninety-Five Theses (Paperback)

Luther's 95 Theses is without question a very important historical document. However, I don't think most of us would buy, say the Gettysburg Address, as a stand-alone book. First, you can never find it on the shelf. Second, you can get it as part of many almanacs, encyclopedias, etc.