Martin Luther: A Brief Introduction to His Life and Works [Paperback]

Paul R. Waibel (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2005 | ISBN-10: 0882952315 | ISBN-13: 978-0882952314

The fifteenth and sixteenth centuries witnessed a transition in the history of Western Civilisation, during which the world of medieval Christendom began to give way to a new world order. Western medieval civilisation - a synthesis of classical humanism and Judeo-Christianity - was overseen by the Holy Roman Empire and the Roman Catholic Church. People of the day believed in an orderly universe created by God and a great chain of being. This secure hierarchy was shattered when scientists, philosophers, and theologians began to explore the world around them with new eyes. Meanwhile, a number of national monarchs sought control of the church within their territories in order to secure a strong, unified nation-state apart from the influence of the Roman church. One avenue to control was provided for these monarchs by the Reformation, begun in 1517 by the obscure German monk Martin Luther. Because of his personal experience, reflection, and study of scripture, this religious scholar revised his Catholic faith to the alarm and contempt of Rome. Before long, Luther was accused of heresy, and the Reformation was underway. In this concise and thoughtfully prepared volume, Paul Waibel introduces readers to Luther with a brief biography followed by chapters that address why Luther chose to risk his life by challenging the authority of the papacy. Next, Luther's most important Reformation writings are considered in chronological order. Among the writings discussed are his The Ninety Five Theses, To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, Concerning the Reform of the Christian Church, The Babylonian Captivity of the Church, The Freedom of the Christian, and The Bondage of the Will, as well as his two most controversial publications, Against the Robbing and Murdering Hordes of Peasants and On the Jews and Their Lies, which some books on Luther gloss over or ignore. In this highly readable and thoughtfully prepared volume, Dr. Waibel provides a brief and accessible introduction to one of the most influential persons in European and church history, making it an ideal supplement to wide variety of courses including World and Western Civilisation, European History, Renaissance and Reformation, and, naturally, the History of Religion and Christianity. The appendix provides an annotated list of Luther's extensive writings.

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About the Author

Paul R Waibel

Product Details

• Paperback: 139 pages
• Publisher: Harlan Davidson (January 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882952315
• ISBN-13: 978-0882952314
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,561,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( L ) > Luther, Martin

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5.0 out of 5 stars Guiding readers through Luther's influence and timely contributions to the Christian church, June 7, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Martin Luther: A Brief Introduction to His Life and Works (Paperback)

Martin Luther: A Brief Introduction To His Life And Works by Paul R. Waibel (Professor of History, Belhaven College), is an impressive and succinct treatise on the courage and accomplishments of Martin Luther who defied Rome and sought to establish a reformed Christianity in both doctrine and practice. Guiding readers through Luther's influence and timely contributions to the Christian church, Biography and author Professor Waibel deftly delves into the remarkable persistence, substantial successes, ideas and idealism of Martin Luther's challenges to Roman Catholic excesses. Martin Luther is very strongly recommended for all students of Christian religion and history in general, and the Lutheran Church in particular, for its complete and thorough documentation of one man's relentless, tenacious, articulate passion for Protestant reforms.