Luther for Armchair Theologians
Overview
Martin Luther started a reformation movement that revolutionized Europe in the sixteenth century. His far-reaching reforms of theological understanding and church practices radically modified both church and society in Europe and beyond. Steven Paulson's discussion of Luther's thought, coupled with Ron Hill's illustrations, provides an engaging introduction to Luther's multifaceted self and the ideas that catapulted him to fame.
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- Highlights the way Martin Luther lived his life from beginning to end
- Offers knowledge from field experts in a simple and playful presentation
- Features witty illustrations by Ron Hill
Top Highlights
“Luther countered by saying that true theology has a very small summa in two simple parts—‘I, the sinner’ and ‘God, the justifier.’” (Page 92)
“Luther’s insight was shockingly simple, as great ideas always are: God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.” (Page 182)
“What is this gospel? Luther answered, ‘The Gospel is a proclamation about Christ: that he forgives sins, grants grace, justifies and saves sinners. Although there are commandments in the New Testament, they are not the Gospel.’1 Gospel is not law; gospel is Jesus Christ given to you by a preacher as forgiveness in words and things.” (Page 128)
“The story of Scripture, Luther began to understand, is not how we make our way up the mountain by getting grace and then topping it off with love and works. Scripture is the story of how God came down to meet us—while we were yet sinners. Christ is the mover and shaker, the active subject, the star of the show.” (Pages 62–63)
“True freedom is being captivated by Christ’s promise of forgiveness of sins. It is like getting a tune in your head you can’t get rid of, only this time instead of a legal refrain, ‘Have you done enough?’ it repeats a promise: ‘God is pleased with you, on account of Christ.” (Page 3)
- Title: Luther for Armchair Theologians
- Author: Steven Paulson
- Series: W. J. K. Armchair
- Publisher: Westminster John Knox
- Publication Date: 2004
- Pages: 232
- Resource Type: Biographies, Introductions
- Topic: Martin Luther