The sixteenth-century German friar whose public conflict with the medieval Roman Church triggered the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther was neither an unblemished saint nor a single-minded religious zealot according to this provocative new biography by Scott Hendrix. The author presents Luther as a man of his time: a highly educated scholar and teacher and a gifted yet flawed human being driven by an optimistic yet ultimately unrealized vision of “true religion.” This bold, insightful account of the life of Martin Luther provides a new perspective on one of the most important religious figures in history, focusing on Luther’s entire life, his personal relationships and political motivations, rather than on his theology alone. Relying on the latest research and quoting extensively from Luther’s correspondence, Hendrix paints a richly detailed portrait of an extraordinary man who, while devout and courageous, had a dark side as well. No recent biography in English explores as fully the life and work of Martin Luther long before and far beyond the controversial posting of his 95 Theses in 1517, an event that will soon be celebrated as the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
When Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses (reputedly nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg), he unwittingly launch a movement that would dramatically change the course of European history. This superb short introduction to Martin Luther, written by a leading authority on Luther and the Reformation, presents this pivotal figure as historians now see him. Instead of singling him out as a modern hero, historian Scott Hendrix emphasizes the context in which Luther worked, the colleagues who supported him, and the opponents who adamantly opposed his agenda for change. The author explains the religious reformation and Luther's importance without ignoring the political and cultural forces, like princely power and Islam, which led the reformation down paths Luther could neither foresee nor influence. The book pays tribute to Luther's genius but also recognizes the self-righteous attitude that alienated contemporaries. The author offers a unique explanation for that attitude and for Luther's anti-Jewish writings, which are especially hard to comprehend after the Holocaust.
Scott Hendrix argues in this book that the sixteenth century reformers all shared the same goal: to Christianize Christendom, that is, to replant authentic Christianity in the vineyard of the Lord, in the same European Christendom which they believed had been devastated by the medieval church. He believes it is more accurate and useful to speak of one Reformation and to locate its diversity in the various theological and practical agendas that were developed to realize the goal of Christianization.
Gassmann and Hendrix expertly present the historical context for the Reformation in its beginnings and development as background to the emergence and gathering of the Confessions. Core chapters then explore (1) the structure of faith (Scripture as norm law-gospel framework, the Trinity, and justification), (2) Christian community (the sacraments, ministry, the nature of the church), and (3) the Christian life (the two reigns sin, sanctification, eternal life). A final chapter examines the role the Confessions play in today's ecumenical, pluralistic environment.
Abingdon Pillars of Theology is a series for the college and seminary classroom designed to help students grasp the basic and necessary facts, influence, and significance of major theologians. Written by noted scholars, these books will outline the context, methodology, organizing principles, primary contributions, and key writings of people who have shaped theology as we know it today. "Martin Luther would be shocked to hear that he is appearing in a series called pillars of theology. To be sure, the professor of biblical interpretation with a doctorate in theology was a theologian. In fact, teaching theology for thirty-four years at the University of Wittenberg brought into Luther's large household, managed by his wife Katharina von Bora, the only salary he ever earned. Still, like most theologians, Luther never thought of himself as having a theology. A theologian becomes a pillar of the discipline in the estimation of admiring readers, but they are not the focus of this book. My purpose is to lay the groundwork and identify the pieces that were later used to construct what is now called Luther's theology." From the book
According to Pew Research studies, most Americans think religion always conflicts with science. The popular writings of scientists such as Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Lawrence Krauss reinforce this idea, as do books by writers such as Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennet. Furthermore, the two versions of the enormously popular television show Cosmos, hosted by Carl Sagan in 1980 and Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2014, present a history of science in which religion has always acted as a barrier to scientific development, with scientists frequently persecuted or even executed for their work. Gods, Philosophers, and Scientists shows that just because an idea is popular, doesn't mean it's correct. By examining the historical record from the time of the Ancient Greeks to today, readers are able to see that religion and science have been allies more often than enemies, and when conflict does occur it's too simplistic to view it as coming from something inherent to either science or religion. Instead, as with the case of Greek philosophy or the reception of Darwinian evolution, complex social forces are to blame, and in cases such as the infamous one of Galileo's conflict with the Catholic Church, clashing personalities are at least as important as those social forces. Anyone interested in the history of science or religion, who is curious about how science works, or who wants to have a better understanding of the world should read this book.
The book honours the Rev. Dr. Robert A Kolb, retired Director of the Institute for Mission Studies and Missions Professor in systematic theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and perhaps the leading authority on the development of "Wittenberg Theology" in the English-speaking world. At the same time, his teaching and writing, which continues without flagging, has emphasized the importance of translating and retranslating the historic Lutheran faith in terms that address contemporary issues and contemporary people. In this volume, colleagues and co-workers address and push forward Kolb insights into the history of the Reformation era and on the impact of those Reformation issues (and quarrels) on the life of the church in the world today. With contributions by Charles Arand, L'ubomir Batka, Amy Nelson Burnett, Irene Dingel, Mary Jane Haemig, Scott Hendrix, Erik Herrmann, Werner Klän, David Lumpp, Mark Mattes, Daniel Mattson, Richard Muller, Paul Robinson, Robert Rosin, and Timothy Wengert.
The names Albrecht Dürer and Hans Holbein the Younger evoke the dazzling accomplishments of Renaissance panel painting and printmaking, but they may not summon images of stained glass. Nevertheless, Dürer, Holbein, and their southern German and Swiss contemporaries designed some of the most splendid works in the history of the medium. This lavish volume is a comprehensive survey of the contribution to stained glass made by these extraordinarily gifted draftsmen and the equally talented glass painters who rendered their compositions in glass. Included are discussions of both monumental church windows and smaller-scale stained-glass panels made for cloisters, civic buildings, residences, and private chapels. The subjects of these rarely seen drawings and panels range from religious topics to secular themes, including love, planets, hunts, and battles. Focusing on stained glass produced in Germany and Switzerland from about 1495 to 1530, Painting on Light includes drawings by Dürer, Holbein, Albrecht Altdorfer, Hans Baldung Grien, Jörg Breu the Elder, Hans Burgkmair, Urs Graf, Hans von Kulmbach, Hans Leu the Younger, Niklaus Manuel Deutsch, Hans Schäufelein, Hans Weiditz, and others. This informative book is published in conjunction with an exhibition at the Getty Museum from July 11 through September 24, 2000, and from November 7, 2000, to January 4, 2001, at the Saint Louis Art Museum.
In Crying for a Vision, British-born poet, musician and performance artist Steve Scott offers a challenge to artists and a manifesto for the arts. This new edition includes an introduction and study guide, four newly-collected essays and an interview with the author. Steve Scott is the author of Like a House on Fire: Renewal of the Arts in a Post-modern Culture and The Boundaries. "Steve Scott is a rare individual who combines a deep love and understanding of Scripture with a passion for the arts." -Steve Turner, author of Jack Kerouac: Angelheaded Hipster. "Steve Scott links a number of fields of inquiry that are usually perceived as unrelated. In doing so he hopes to open wider possibilities for Christians in the arts, who may perhaps be relieved to find that, in many ways, they were right all along." -Rupert Loydell, author of The Museum of Light. Cover art by Michael Redmond
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