Martin Luther, Volume 2: Shaping and Defining the Reformation, 1521-1532

Martin Luther #2

by Martin Brecht, James L. Schaaf (Translator)

Brecht here describes the years in which the distinctive aspects of the Reformation took shape. During this time four difficult conflicts—the Peasants' War, the interchange between Luther and Erasmus, debates on the Lord's Supper, and the rise of Anabaptist groups—strengthened the need to fashion new orders for governing the church and the need to develop new patterns for worship and the instruction of youth. Luther the theologian was occupied with problems of politics, economy, law, and education. In addition, his own life was altered by his marriage.

Genres: Biography, History, Theology, Church History, Christianity

560 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Martin Brecht is Professor Emeritus of Reformation and Modern Church History at the University of Muenster, Germany.

Reviews

[James Ruley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brecht’s second volume on Luther picks up immediately following Luther’s “kidnapping” following the Diet of Worms. The work traces Luther’s efforts over the next 11 years to refine and spread the reformation. I was surprised how hands on Luther’s role was in this endeavor: he counseled priests and monks who were reevaluating doctrine, advised on political affairs from his religious perspective, and wrote a mountain of books defending his views. Of primary importance during this time he wrote on the Lord’s Supper, celibacy, marriage, baptism, confession, and submission to earthly authorities. He also was married and started a family. This book does not portray Luther as perfect: it shows his depression, anger, and lack of self control. However, it does a great job exalting the principles he fought for and showing his pastoral and generous heart.

[Lauren Larkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brecht writes history like some people announce sporting events. So far, two volumes in to the three volume set on Martin Luther's life, and I'm quite convinced this is the the biography of biographies on the rather complex character of Martin Luther. I've read a number of biographies--those written a while ago and those written very recently--and few offer "new" or "more" information to what Brecht has done. At times I'd even argue there is too much detail. However, all in all, this is a go to text for all things about Martin Luther *and* the Reformation.

[Wilhelm Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

MB schreibt abschließend: "Die 11 Jahre vom Wormers Reichstag 1521 bis zum Nürnberger Anstand (Religionsfrieden) 1532 haben ein doppeltes Gesicht. In diesem Zeitraum vernöchte Luther seinem reformatiorischen Wollen die konkrete Gestalt zu geben, und insofern war diese Periode von großer historischer Effizienz. Das mußte jdeoch gegen enorme Widerstände durchgesetzt und dann stöndig behauptet werden. Das erreichte Resultat blieb hinter der idealen Erwartung zurück und barb neue Probleme in sich. Immerhin hatte der Geächtete von Worms persönlich sein Leben davongebracht, er hatte geheiratet und eine Familie begründet. So befriedigend das war, die ungeheuren Anstrengungen dieser Jahre hatte ihn gezeichnet. Verfolgung und Maryrium, die an ihm weiterhin vorübergegangen waren, hatten nicht wenige seiner Anhänger getroffen. Aber 1532 war es dann doch zu dem ersehnten politischen Frieden gekommen, der allerdings immer noch lediglich ein vorläufiger war. Die Verkündigung des Evangeliums hatte sich in Deutwschland und daürber hinaus ausgebreitet, und der neuen Bewegung eignete nach wie vor eine stärkere Dynamik, als es wohl Luther selbst bewußt war. Dennoch hatte sich das Evangelilum nicht so ohne weiteres gegen die Widerstände durchgesetzt, wie er es ursprünglich erwartet hatte. Das lag nicht allein an der Stärke der altgläubigen Gegenkräfte, sondern an den schon seit 1522 virulenten Divergenzen im eigenen Lager, die sich zu den schweren Krisen des Bauernkrieges, Abendmahlstreites und des Auftretens der Täufer ausweiteten. Sie konnten zwar schließlich alle einigermaßen gemeistert werden, aber die Schäden dieser Entwicklungsstörungen ließen sich nicht ungeschehen machen, und die völlige Einheit der Evangelischen war nicht mehr zurückgewinnen. Als theologischer Ertrag der Auseinandersetzungen blieb die eindrückliche Ausgestaltung der politischen Ethik, der Sakramentslehre, Christologie und Anthropologie."

[Hank Pharis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second of three volumes that represents the most comprehensive modern scholarly biography of Luther. I knew most of the things in the first volume but I learned a lot of new things in this one. I'm looking forward to finishing the third volume. His struggles, his victories, his ailments, his faith, his courage, his depression, his obstinancy, his failures and many more traits are clearly displayed.

One quote from Luther: "I ask that men make no reference to my name; let them call themselves Christians, not Lutherans. What is Luther? After all, the teaching is not mine. Neither was I crucified for anyone ... How then should I - poor stinking maggot-fodder that I am - come to have men call the children of Christ by my wretched name?" (32)

(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})

[Shane Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read.....

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luther in mid-career, fighting for reform, and living in a world made rich and real by Brecht's flowing narrative.