Understanding Luther
Since 1966, the standard reference work in English on Martin Luther's theology has been Paul Althaus' The Theology of Martin Luther (published in German in 1962). With the English translation of Bernhard Lohse's Martin Luther's Theology, we will likely see a changing of the guard. Lohse's book is an outstanding introduction to the theology of the great German Reformer.
Unlike John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Martin Luther never wrote anything that could be considered a "systematic theology." His writings are much more topical and occasional, and his discussion of theological subjects is often scattered throughout numerous works. In addition, Luther's thought underwent development throughout his long career. Therefore, when examining Luther's writing on any particular doctrine, it is always important to understand when it was written, in what context it was written, and whether he wrote anything else on the subject at other times. Bernhard Lohse has done the church a great service by doing just that.
His work takes a unique approach to the subject in that he examines Luther's thought both chronologically as it developed in the context of dialogue and dispute with others and topically as a systematic whole. This provides a very helpful format for understanding the different nuances of Luther's thinking.
In the first part of the book, the author sets the stage for the remainder of the study with some necessary introductory chapters. In the first chapter, he explains some of the different methods that have been used historically in the study of Luther's theology and provides an explanation for the approach he has chosen. In the next several chapters, Luther's personal background and the historical situation of the church in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries is examined. Particular attention is paid to the situation in the church in Erfurt and Wittenberg.
The second part of the book is probably the most helpful because it traces the development of Luther's thought historically in the context of his many debates, disputations and conflicts. By examining everything from Luther's marginal notes in Augustine to his debates with the Roman Catholics, the Zwinglians, and the antinomians, Lohse provides a good understanding of how Luther's thought took its final shape and form.
Having examined Luther's thought over the course of his career, Lohse attempts in the third part of the book to approach Luther's theology from a more systematic perspective, dealing with it topically. This section of the book 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 examining Luther's attitude toward the Jews - an important addition at the close of the twentieth century.
For anyone wanting to understand the development of Luther's thinking on subjects such as justification by faith alone, sola scriptura, and the sacraments, there is probably no better introduction than Lohse's work. It should remain the definitive work for decades to come. |
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