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Martin Luther's Theology: Its Historical and Systematic Development

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Lohse has done the church an invaluable service by providing this overview of Luther's theology. In the first part of the book, the author sets the stage for the remainder of the study with some preliminary chapters delaing with issues such as the historical and theological situation in the early sixteenth century and Martin Luther's early life.

The second part of the book is the most helpful in that it traces the development of Luther's thought historically in the context of his many debates, disputations and conflicts. From his marginal notes in Augustine to his debates with the antinomians, Lohse provides a good understanding of how Luther's thought took its final form.

The third part of the book attempts to approach Luther's theology from a more systematic perspective, dealing with it topically. It is divided into chapters on sola scriptura, reason and faith, sin, justification, the church, etc. Lohse provides some crucial insights into Luther's views on each of these doctrines in this section. The book concludes with a brief appendix on Luther's attitude toward the Jews - an important addition at the close of the twentieth century.

This book should be the standard reference on the theology of Luther for years to come.