Martin Luther : confessor of the faith / Robert Kolb.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kolb, Robert, 1941-

Series:

Christian theology in context

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Luther, Martin, 1483-1546.

Physical Description:

215 pages ; 23 cm.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.

Summary:

The Christian Theology in Context series aims to provide students and general readers, as well as academics, with a collection of well researched yet accessible books on the most important theologians and theological movements of the Christian church from the apostolic period to the present day. The volumes are unique in setting theological thought in its full social, historical, and political context. Each attempts to show the close relationship between knowledge and social practice, rationality and cultural location.

The life and writings of Martin Luther (1483-1546) continue to challenge people throughout the world in the twenty-first century. His paradigmatic shift in defining God and what it means to be human abandoned a foundation for viewing human creatures that was anchored in Aristotle's anthropology. Luther defined the Revealed God in terms of his mercy and love for human beings, based not on their merit and performance but rather on God's unconditioned grace.

Luther's development of a 'Wittenberg way' of practicing theology is seen reflected in a deep personal commitment to pastoral care of common Christians as well as his reading of the biblical text. Crucially, at the heart of all interpretation of the Bible, Luther placed the distinction between the 'gospel', God's unmerited gift of identity as his children, and the 'law', the expression of God's expectations for the performance of his children in good works. Professor Kolb places the development and exposition of these key presuppositions in Luther's thinking within the historical context of late medieval theology and piety and the unfolding dynamics of political and social change at the dawn of the modern era.

Contents:

"Angel of the lord" or "damned heretic" : Martin Luther in the trends of the times

Set on his way : Luther's life to 1519

The formation of the theologian : the medieval roots of Luther's thought

In Via Vitbergensis : Luther develops his hermeneutic

The emergence of the reformer : Luther's decisive turn to reform

Fast bound in Satan's chains I lay : Luther's view of the fallen human creature

Christ Jesus holds the field victorious : Luther's understanding of the person of Christ, the atonement, and justification

One little word can slay him : God's power and presence in the oral, written, and sacramental forms of his word

Lambs listening to their shepherd : Christ's church and its struggles

Faith active in love : Christian living on the foundation of God's calling and command

Conclusion : Martin Luther, confessor of the faith and pastor of God's people.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [200]-208) and indexes.

ISBN:

9780199208944

0199208948

9780199208937

019920893X

OCLC:

267171352