Martin Luther, the Augustinian friar who set the Protestant Reformation in motion with his famous Ninety-Five Theses in October 1517, was a man of extremes on many fronts. He was both hated and honored, both reviled as a heretic and lauded as a latter-day apostle. This superb translation of Thomas Kaufmann’s popular German biography highlights the two conflicting “natures” of Martin Luther, depicting Luther’s earthiness as well as his soaring theological contributions, his flaws as well as his greatness.
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Pens began to scribble whenever Martin Luther spoke. And, five hundred years later, those pens have still not stopped. Among the many Luther biographies available, however, this one is truly memorable and unique. It is simply written, yet not oversimplified; robust in scholarship, yet welcoming to many readers. Although it is a short life of Martin Luther, this book will cast a long shadow for generations.
—A. Trevor Sutton, author of Being Lutheran
This concise but coherent treatment of Martin Luther portrays the Reformer as a man of extreme opposites. . . . A carefully crafted and readable narrative, Kaufmann’s Short Life of Martin Luther will enlighten and challenge anyone seeking to better comprehend the person and work of Luther. The English translation of this work is a welcome addition to Reformation scholarship.
—John T. Pless, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne
Timed to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses, which ushered in the Protestant Reformation, Kaufmann’s short, incisive biography of Luther focuses on the theological import of his subject’s life. Kaufmann conveys the core of Luther’s theology, rooted in the scholar-monk’s conviction of the primacy of scripture over Roman Catholic theological tradition and his unwavering belief that salvation came through grace of God alone, not through works. His sketch of Luther’s life is brief, but Kaufmann does not shy away from controversial topics such as Luther’s anti-Semitism and his harsh reaction to the German Peasants’ War. . . . The book, written in a tone of high seriousness, is impressively clear, providing insights into the mind of a complicated individual.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)