The development of Martin Luther's thought was both a symptom and moving force in the transformation of the Middle Ages into the modern world. Geographical discovery, an emerging scientific tradition, and a climate of social change had splintered the unity of medieval Christian culture, and...  more

The development of Martin Luther's thought was both a symptom and moving force in the transformation of the Middle Ages into the modern world. Geographical discovery, an emerging scientific tradition, and a climate of social change had splintered the unity of medieval Christian culture, and these changes provided the background for Luther's theological challenge. His new apprehension of Scripture and fresh understanding of man's relation to God demanded a break with the Church as then constituted and released the powerful impulses that carried the Reformation. Luther's vigorous, colorful language still retains the excitement it had for thousands of his contemporaries. In this volume, Dr. Dillenberger has made a representative selection from Luther's extensive writings, and has also provided the reader with a lucid introduction to his thought.

Martin Luther's conception of the Nativity found expression in sermon, song, and art. This beautiful of a classic collection combines all three. In thirty compelling Christmas excerpts from his sermons, Luther vividly portrays the human realism of the Nativity: Mary's distress at...  more

Martin Luther's conception of the Nativity found expression in sermon, song, and art. This beautiful of a classic collection combines all three. In thirty compelling Christmas excerpts from his sermons, Luther vividly portrays the human realism of the Nativity: Mary's distress at giving birth with no midwife or water; Joseph's misgivings; the Wise Men's perplexity; and Herod's cunning. Throughout, Luther suggests the question: If we had lived in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, would we have believed that this newborn baby was God in human form? And he reminds us that keeping Christmas is a year-around mission of caring for those in need. Nine elegant illustrations by Luther's contemporaries -- including four by noted engraver Albrecht Durer -- capture timeless scenes from the Christmas story. And two of Luther's beautiful Christmas carols are included on the final pages of the book.

The Large Catechism of Martin Luther was written to aid the spiritual leaders of the Lutheran Church. Martin Luther wanted to remind his followers that they should live a godly life instead of a worldly life. Surprisingly, though, nowhere in this book does Luther suggest that anyone should leave...  more

The Large Catechism of Martin Luther was written to aid the spiritual leaders of the Lutheran Church. Martin Luther wanted to remind his followers that they should live a godly life instead of a worldly life. Surprisingly, though, nowhere in this book does Luther suggest that anyone should leave their worldly life behind in order to pursue their godly life. Blunt and straightforward, this book is remains an inspiration.

Luther's Large Catechism is a popular summary of basic Christian doctrine written to aid pastors and Bible study leaders in teaching. This contemporary-language translation lends itself well to reading and study. Plus, more than 250 in-depth study questions stimulate thinking to help...  more

Luther's Large Catechism is a popular summary of basic Christian doctrine written to aid pastors and Bible study leaders in teaching. This contemporary-language translation lends itself well to reading and study. Plus, more than 250 in-depth study questions stimulate thinking to help Christians understand the doctrinal concepts they need to know, accept, and follow.

This book is designed and undertaken that it might be an instruction for children and the simple-minded. Hence of old it was called in Greek catechism, i.e., instruction for children, what every Christian must needs know, so that he who does not know this could not be numbered with the...  more

This book is designed and undertaken that it might be an instruction for children and the simple-minded. Hence of old it was called in Greek catechism, i.e., instruction for children, what every Christian must needs know, so that he who does not know this could not be numbered with the Christians nor be admitted to any Sacrament, just as a mechanic who does not understand the rules and customs of his trade is expelled and considered incapable. Therefore we must have the young learn the parts which belong to the Catechism or instruction for children well and fluently and diligently exercise themselves in them and keep them occupied with them. A Christian, Profitable, and Necessary Preface and Faithful, Earnest Exhortation of Dr. Martin Luther to All Christians, but Especially to All Pastors and Preachers, that They Should Daily Exercise Themselves in the Catechism, which is a Short Summary and Epitome of the Entire Holy Scriptures, and that they May Always Teach the Same.

Martin Luther, a brilliant, multi-lingual theologian and scholar, never lost his bond with the common man. That reality is evident in Table Talk, in his sermons, and in his Small Catechism. Luther and his wife, Katie, lived in a large house that provided an ideal setting for the frequent...  more

Martin Luther, a brilliant, multi-lingual theologian and scholar, never lost his bond with the common man. That reality is evident in Table Talk, in his sermons, and in his Small Catechism. Luther and his wife, Katie, lived in a large house that provided an ideal setting for the frequent gatherings of Luther's peers and those who simply wanted to hear more from their spiritual leader. This book is perhaps the most candid look we have into the life and thoughts of Luther. It has its spiritually inspiring moments but for the most part is just good solid Luther logic. At the time of the Reformation Martin Luther was a professor in the theology department of the University of Wittenberg at Wittenberg, Germany. He was also the regional head of the Augustinian Monks, and resided in the Augustine monastery at Wittenberg, a few blocks from the university. As a result of the Reformation, the Augustinian order in Northern Germany was disbanded. The ruler of that area, the German Elector Friedrick the Wise, who supported and protected Martin Luther, gave Luther the building which had housed the Augustinian monks. It consisted of 26 sleeping rooms, a study, dining room and other common areas. When Luther married, he and his wife lived in the building and raised a family. To support Luther's meager professor's salary, they took in boarders, who were fellow professors and students. The professors and graduate students realized that the comments at the Luther dinner table contained philosophical and religious wisdoms that should be preserved, and they took down what was said in shorthand, and later transcribed the full text into notebooks in their rooms. A collection of these "Table Talks" by Johannes Aurifaber was published in 1566, twenty years after Luther died. Aurifaber had boarded at the Luther household during the year 1545 and until Luther's death in February, 1546. He was Luther's last clerk, and was with Luther at the time of his death. In addition to collecting manuscripts of other table guest, Aurifaber recorded the table conversations during Luther's last months. The Aurifaber collection was the only known form of the Table Talks for more than 300 years.

The most comprehensive edition of the Lutheran Confessions in English. It features period woodcuts and paintings, along with helpful introductions, annotations, notes, glossaries and a variety of indices. A timeline of the period and daily reading guide are included as well. This edition is a...  more

The most comprehensive edition of the Lutheran Confessions in English. It features period woodcuts and paintings, along with helpful introductions, annotations, notes, glossaries and a variety of indices. A timeline of the period and daily reading guide are included as well. This edition is a translation based on the actual text scontained in the authoritative editions of the Book of Concord, using either the German or the Latin text, unlike other English translations which are based on reconstructed texts, but not necessarily those that are the Lutheran Church's approved texts of their confessional documents. It is designed for the reader interested in understanding in depth what the beliefs, teachings and confession of the Lutheran Church are.

Pastors serve their parishioners' spiritual needs and often address community and social issues, including politics. While much is known about how the public views politics, what about pastoral opinion? Based on two recent surveys of LCMS pastors, the authors examine how these men view politics...  more

Pastors serve their parishioners' spiritual needs and often address community and social issues, including politics. While much is known about how the public views politics, what about pastoral opinion? Based on two recent surveys of LCMS pastors, the authors examine how these men view politics and government today and the relationship between church and state. Lutheran Pastors and Politics uses extant literature to explain a theory of LCMS clergy involvement in the political realm, test the theory against data gathered through two surveys, and comment on findings in light of an American society that is morally challenged and has little faith and trust in the governmental system. The authors will seek to discover the attitudes toward politics held by LCMS clergy and what implications these attitudes have for pastors' earthly ministries, especially in light of the ways they may overtly or subtly influence parishioners' political views.

Spanning the continents, three internationally respected theologians demonstrate how the thought and legacy of Martin Luther can serve in an ecumenical and interfaith context as a resource for a radical critique of global economics and culture. Lutheran Christianity originated in its own era of...  more

Spanning the continents, three internationally respected theologians demonstrate how the thought and legacy of Martin Luther can serve in an ecumenical and interfaith context as a resource for a radical critique of global economics and culture. Lutheran Christianity originated in its own era of economic and cultural crisis. One of the great misinterpretations of Martin Luther has considered his heritage as fundamentally reactionary, seeking to preserve the political status quo. Instead, set free by the biblical message of liberation, this book wields Luther's theology to engage the reality of poverty, hunger, oppression, and ecological degradation caused by an imperial capitalism as the most urgent theological issues in the contemporary world. The volume demonstrates the liberating possibilities of theology done out of a biblical and Lutheran perspective for the economic and cultural crises facing the church in the present century.

From their formulation in the sixteenth century through the present day, every generation of Lutheran leadership has grappled with the centrality and importance of the Lutheran confessional writings. In this important new volume, Arand, Kolb, and Nestingen bring the fruit of an entire...  more

From their formulation in the sixteenth century through the present day, every generation of Lutheran leadership has grappled with the centrality and importance of the Lutheran confessional writings. In this important new volume, Arand, Kolb, and Nestingen bring the fruit of an entire generation of scholarship to bear on these documents, making it an essential and up-to-date class text. The Lutheran Confessions places the documents solidly within their political, social, ecclesiastical, and theological contexts, relating them to the world in which they took place, and assists readers in understanding the issues at stake in the narratives, both in their own time and in ours.

Given for You offers an eleven-point summary of key teachings/ understandings of the Lord's Supper and is an eloquent call for true communion among all Christians around this simple meal given by Jesus for the Church and for the sake of the world. Includes a glossary of key terms, a list...  more

Given for You offers an eleven-point summary of key teachings/ understandings of the Lord's Supper and is an eloquent call for true communion among all Christians around this simple meal given by Jesus for the Church and for the sake of the world. Includes a glossary of key terms, a list of additional resources and questions for reflection and discussion.