Synopses & Reviews
One of the most influential religious scholars in America brings to life the dramatic story of one of the most influential religious reformers in history. The son of a miner, Martin Luther was born in small town in Germany in 1483. Strict discipline and a practical education were emphasized in the household and to please his family, Luther studied law, rather than religion, in college. Yet his religious passions prevailed and against the wishes of his father, he joined a monastery of the Augustine order after graduation and became a monk. He went on to teach at the university in Wittgenberg and it was there that he wrote and posted his now famous "95 Theses," in protest of the pope, which ignited the historic reformation of the Church. Brilliantly-written, with historical context and religious insight that only Marty can provide, Martin Luther: A Penguin Life is the fascinating story of a man who single-handedly changed the course of history from the leading American authority on religion today. Martin Marty is the author of more than 50 books, including the three-volume Modern American Religion, Pilgrims In Their Own Land, and Righteous Empire, which won the National Book Award. He has won the National Humanities Medal and the Medal of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Synopsis
Martin Martyprofessor, author, pastor, historian, and journalistis, in Bill Moyerss words, the most influential interpreter of American religion. In
Martin Luther this man of unswerving faith, rooted in his own Lutheran tradition yet deeply committed to helping enrich a pluralist society, brings to powerful life the devout Reformation figure whose despair for a perilous world, felt anew in our own times, drove him to a ceaseless search for assurance of Gods love. It was one that led him steadily to a fresh interpretation of human interaction with Godas born solely from Gods grace and not the Churchs mediationand to the famous theses he posted at Wittenberg in 1517.
Luthers persistence in this belief, and in his long battle with Church leadersembellished by rich historical backgroundmake Martys biography riveting reading. Luthers obdurate yet receptive stance, so different from the travestied image of fundamentalism we currently face, restored the balance between religion and the individual. Martin Luther is at once a fascinating history, a story of immense spiritual passion and amazing grace, and a superb intellectual biography.
Synopsis
Called ?The most influential interpreter of American religion? by Bill Moyers, renowned historian and Lutheran pastor Martin Marty portrays the religious reformer Martin Luther as a man of conscience and courage who risked death to ignite the historic reformation of the Church. Luther?s arguments, including his ?95 theses,? changed the destiny of Christendom, the shape of Christianity, and gave rise to new freedoms in church and state. Marty explores the records left by Luther of his inner struggles and his conflicts with the Holy Roman Empire to find a man engaged in a lifelong passionate search for not only the grace of God, but also for the assurance that it was directed toward each individual.
About the Author
Martin Marty, one of todayandrsquo;s most respected theologians, is professor emeritus at the University of Chicago, where the Martin Marty Center has been founded to promote public religion endeavors. His more than fifty books include Modern American Religion. He is a winner of the National Book Award and was the first religion scholar to receive the National Humanities Medal.