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Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought
Protestants of all stripes have long read at least a few of Martin Luther’s works, but 21st-century readers need guidance and encouragement. Stephen Nichols’s Martin Luther provides both.
After an exciting overview of Luther’s life and theology, Nichols orients the reader to some of the Reformer’s major works: The Bondage of the Will, The Three Treatises, The Small Catechism, and On the Councils and the Church. Luther’s ethical writings, "table talk," hymns, and sermons also receive due attention. "A Select Guide to Books by and about Luther" concludes this volume, which displays more than 20 illustrations.
"I have chosen the texts and issues that seem to be both pivotal and prominent in Luther’s thought," writes Nichols. "This encounter is intended to serve as the gateway for further exploration in his life and thought."
"How do you write a book that’s easy to read and yet is theologically precise? How do you do a book on everything from training of children to hymns to preaching to political conflict—and have it always full and running over with the glorious gospel, which Luther found again for the whole Christian world? Well, Nichols has done it." —D. Clair Davis
After an exciting overview of Luther’s life and theology, Nichols orients the reader to some of the Reformer’s major works: The Bondage of the Will, The Three Treatises, The Small Catechism, and On the Councils and the Church. Luther’s ethical writings, "table talk," hymns, and sermons also receive due attention. "A Select Guide to Books by and about Luther" concludes this volume, which displays more than 20 illustrations.
"I have chosen the texts and issues that seem to be both pivotal and prominent in Luther’s thought," writes Nichols. "This encounter is intended to serve as the gateway for further exploration in his life and thought."
"How do you write a book that’s easy to read and yet is theologically precise? How do you do a book on everything from training of children to hymns to preaching to political conflict—and have it always full and running over with the glorious gospel, which Luther found again for the whole Christian world? Well, Nichols has done it." —D. Clair Davis
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2002
53 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Stephen J. Nichols
76 books97 followersStephen J. Nichols (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer of Ligonier Ministries. Previously, he served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College. He is an editor (with Justin Taylor) of the Theologians on the Christian Life series and is the author of several books, including The Reformation, For Us and for Our Salvation, The Church History ABCs, and Bonhoeffer on the Christian Life.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 1, 2022
My third biography by Nichols this year. The man is unmatched. (Luther is great too.)
February 6, 2018
Stephen J Nichols is a master of simplification and to pack so much in a concise work is simply wonderful. Having read “Beyond the 95 Thesis” by Stephen J Nichols I’m not sure if there are any real differences but I’ll have to compare them at a later time. If you never read on Luther this or beyond the 95 Thesis would be a great choice. I marked up this book a considerable amount, I hope you will take the time to do the same.
November 1, 2017
In commemoration of the 500 year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation starting with Luther's nailing his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenburg on October 31, 1517, thought I'd brush up on my church -- and ultimately world -- history!
August 31, 2014
Four years ago I took a class on the reformation and wrote a four page review on this book after "reading" it. I figured that it was about time that I read it for real, and I'm so glad that I did. Few things stir my heart to the doctrine of justification by faith and the gravity of proclaiming it to the church like the ministry of Martin Luther.
This book is fantastic in almost every regard. The level at which it is written proves to be very comprehensive yet is accessible to the layperson. Any deeper and the book would be a burden to get through, any less and the subjects cannot be done justice. In my opinion, perhaps the book's greatest strength is how simply yet effectively Nichols writes. So often people tell me of others who are geniuses, and I simply have to take their word for it, because it appears that every bit of gray matter that contributed to their genius had been taken away from the part of their mind that helps them to communicate. Nichols is an exception to this rule, in his writing he takes profound theological concepts and historical details and makes them remarkably accessible to the average person. And even more importantly, Nichols does it with a reverent and worshipful tone, mindful of the weight of the concepts he describes.
Titled Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of his Life and Thought, his book is exactly that. It does so through three parts. Part 1 is a guided biographical tour of Luther's life. Split into early life and later life, Nichols does a great job drawing forth the tension as it built up in Luther's life and his struggles with his own life, the Roman Catholic Church, and leading the reformation. Part 2 discusses Luther's most significant contributions to the world of theology. This section was by far my favorite part of the book. Between Luther's Theology of the Cross, Three Treatises, The Bondage of the Will, and ethical writings, I have a lifetime of theological reading to catch up on. Part 3 covers Luther's efforts directed towards the church. This shows that Luther not only taught theology, he practiced what he taught as well. I was especially struck by The Small Catechism. Though it was intended for children, it contains a feast of theological truth for even the most advanced theologians and worshippers of God. And I was amazed at the variety of spheres of influence Luther had, an example of which being his prowess as a musician and composer.
Basically I'm beyond challenged and inspired by the life of Luther. However, he was far from perfect, and I don't think I'll ever get over his blatant anti-Semitism.
At the end of each chapter and again at the end of the book, Nichols gives a biography by which readers can further plunge into their Luther studies. Perfect & just what a book like this is intended for.
If only the contemporary Lutheran Church followed more closely the teachings of their founder...
Basically it kills me not to give this book five stars, but giving it five would not quite seem appropriate either. If I could I would settle for four and nine-tenths stars. Somehow I felt like Nichols treatment of Luther's view of the Lord's Supper lacked something. And I also wish Nichols had not left out a discussion of Luther's commentaries.
I hope to read this book again, but in the future to go faster, aided by all the notes I filled the margins with to help me understand and digest it. Highly recommended to anyone wanted a solid and thorough introduction to Luther, but really basically anyone.
This book is fantastic in almost every regard. The level at which it is written proves to be very comprehensive yet is accessible to the layperson. Any deeper and the book would be a burden to get through, any less and the subjects cannot be done justice. In my opinion, perhaps the book's greatest strength is how simply yet effectively Nichols writes. So often people tell me of others who are geniuses, and I simply have to take their word for it, because it appears that every bit of gray matter that contributed to their genius had been taken away from the part of their mind that helps them to communicate. Nichols is an exception to this rule, in his writing he takes profound theological concepts and historical details and makes them remarkably accessible to the average person. And even more importantly, Nichols does it with a reverent and worshipful tone, mindful of the weight of the concepts he describes.
Titled Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of his Life and Thought, his book is exactly that. It does so through three parts. Part 1 is a guided biographical tour of Luther's life. Split into early life and later life, Nichols does a great job drawing forth the tension as it built up in Luther's life and his struggles with his own life, the Roman Catholic Church, and leading the reformation. Part 2 discusses Luther's most significant contributions to the world of theology. This section was by far my favorite part of the book. Between Luther's Theology of the Cross, Three Treatises, The Bondage of the Will, and ethical writings, I have a lifetime of theological reading to catch up on. Part 3 covers Luther's efforts directed towards the church. This shows that Luther not only taught theology, he practiced what he taught as well. I was especially struck by The Small Catechism. Though it was intended for children, it contains a feast of theological truth for even the most advanced theologians and worshippers of God. And I was amazed at the variety of spheres of influence Luther had, an example of which being his prowess as a musician and composer.
Basically I'm beyond challenged and inspired by the life of Luther. However, he was far from perfect, and I don't think I'll ever get over his blatant anti-Semitism.
At the end of each chapter and again at the end of the book, Nichols gives a biography by which readers can further plunge into their Luther studies. Perfect & just what a book like this is intended for.
If only the contemporary Lutheran Church followed more closely the teachings of their founder...
Basically it kills me not to give this book five stars, but giving it five would not quite seem appropriate either. If I could I would settle for four and nine-tenths stars. Somehow I felt like Nichols treatment of Luther's view of the Lord's Supper lacked something. And I also wish Nichols had not left out a discussion of Luther's commentaries.
I hope to read this book again, but in the future to go faster, aided by all the notes I filled the margins with to help me understand and digest it. Highly recommended to anyone wanted a solid and thorough introduction to Luther, but really basically anyone.
February 25, 2016
Very well researched. Provided valuable insights into the life of Luther. The book takes you through Luthers life before and after the Reformation, his life as a pastor and the books he penned. Martin Luther is a towering personality in history who set the stone rolling for Reformation. Thanking God for this great mans legacy !!
The book also sheds light on Luthers graciousness as a host , the loving father and the caring husband. There is also an interesting chapter on the books he wrote and some portions of the sermon he preached. However, a little more could be mentioned about the commentaries that Luther wrote.
Some undesirable traits of Luther come to the surface like his sharp tongue and his anti-Semitic comments. But in the light of his tremendous contribution to the Church we can easily forgive Luther for his mistakes. After all it only goes to prove that we are all sinners who need the grace of God. Good read. Love this man who gave us the words like Sola Scriptura, Soli deo gloria, Sola fide. Recommended for anyone who wants a detailed account of Luthers life . Very easy to understand.
The book also sheds light on Luthers graciousness as a host , the loving father and the caring husband. There is also an interesting chapter on the books he wrote and some portions of the sermon he preached. However, a little more could be mentioned about the commentaries that Luther wrote.
Some undesirable traits of Luther come to the surface like his sharp tongue and his anti-Semitic comments. But in the light of his tremendous contribution to the Church we can easily forgive Luther for his mistakes. After all it only goes to prove that we are all sinners who need the grace of God. Good read. Love this man who gave us the words like Sola Scriptura, Soli deo gloria, Sola fide. Recommended for anyone who wants a detailed account of Luthers life . Very easy to understand.
January 21, 2024
Tantalizing insight... overview, leaves you wanting more.
May 8, 2017
Martin Luther is, without doubt, my favorite historical figure and I love reading about him. The book was a fun and informative read. I especially enjoyed the chapter about Luther's music. A fact about Luther than is probably not as well known as it ought to be is that Luther was an excellent musician and did much to restore congregational singing to the church. The Middle Ages had seen church music revert to the realm of the professional and the congregants did not participate in the singing, or even understand what was being sung as it the church service, including the singing, was conducted in Latin. Luther wrote hymns for congregational singing in the language of his congregants (German). Sadly, it seems to me that church music is slowly reverting to the expert or professional once again as much church music is too difficult to be conducive to congregational singing and only exceptional musicians tend to participate.
August 1, 2017
This is an excellent book (easy to read and written in narrative form) covering Martin Luther's life and a summary of his key writings. Nichols shows how we owe a great debt to Luther, not only for recovering the doctrine of justification by faith and the authority of scripture, but also for his work to elevate Christian marriage, the training of children, and bringing back music as Christ-exalting worship in the church.
January 22, 2022
This was an easy, comprehensive biography of Martin Luther. Coming from someone who doesn’t know much about Luther, this book wasn’t overwhelming or daunting with historical facts. Nichols did a great job outlining Luther’s life and the Reformation. This book made me realize the large impact Luther had on the church, home life, and Scripture in his day and in our day. A very good read if you want to learn more about him and church history!
August 7, 2017
Good Portrait of Luther
This is a good introduction to the life and thought of Martin Luther. We see how the Reformation came about, and the struggles Martin Luther had. Although far from perfect, Martin Luther was committed to the Word of God, and to the church. Justification by faith may not be known if it weren't for Luther.
This is a good introduction to the life and thought of Martin Luther. We see how the Reformation came about, and the struggles Martin Luther had. Although far from perfect, Martin Luther was committed to the Word of God, and to the church. Justification by faith may not be known if it weren't for Luther.
November 17, 2017
Great book. I enjoyed the way Nichols weaves together Luther's life, theology and the historical backdrop of 16th century Germany. Luther the Reformer is the cool guy, but after reading this I have developed a heartfelt appreciation for Luther the pastor. If you can get your hands on this book you should.
December 15, 2017
I chose this book because someone said it was the best biography on Luther under 250 pages. Really enjoyed getting to learn about his major works, and how they fit into his life and teaching.
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February 25, 2022this is an excellent introduction to the work of Martin Luther.
August 2, 2025
Great overview!
February 14, 2011
Stephen J. Nichols gives a very succinct and easy-to-understand account of Luther's life events and theological developments. I found Nichols’ book to be attention grabbing and inspiring. His brief biography of Luther’s life at the beginning helped me to understand all the events of Luther’s life more clearly. Further, Nichols breakdown of Luther as a reformer and a pastor got me away from linking Luther only with the Ninety-Five Theses, but more with a major part of my Christian heritage. At times, Nichols writing on Luther was very convicting as I could almost see the desire and urgency with which Luther worked and preached, that desire and urgency that I most often lack. Nichols discussion of Luther’s view on the sacraments was particularly impacting for me as I saw the reverence with which Luther administered and received the sacraments. I have never thought so specifically about the use of the sacraments as a way to preach the gospel. This book has encouraged me, challenged me, and called me to live a life committed to serve Christ, just as Martin Luther did.
October 8, 2010
The author was very upfront and honest about this book being a sort of flyover view of Luther, his life and a selection of his writings and legacy. He wasn't kidding.
In some respects, I found the book to be more of an introduction than anything else. I know more than I did before, but I am left with questions and a desire to learn more, both about Luther the man, the Reformation and to read some of his writings (but not all...I'd be at that for the rest of my days) to get a bit better feel for what he was saying, not what somebody else says he was talking about.
I will say that this book was a quick read, Nichols has an easy to follow style and format and I will probably read part or all of this again quite soon. Need to narrow down where to go next, and all that.
In some respects, I found the book to be more of an introduction than anything else. I know more than I did before, but I am left with questions and a desire to learn more, both about Luther the man, the Reformation and to read some of his writings (but not all...I'd be at that for the rest of my days) to get a bit better feel for what he was saying, not what somebody else says he was talking about.
I will say that this book was a quick read, Nichols has an easy to follow style and format and I will probably read part or all of this again quite soon. Need to narrow down where to go next, and all that.
June 10, 2016
I have never read a book about Luther, and if you haven't either, this is a great place to start. As a self-described "Luther primer", this book did exactly what a primer should do - inspire me to dig deeper! It touches on biographical highlights, theological highlights, and highlights of his written works, giving just enough detail for each that you feel like you understand the context and results, but still leaving you with a desire to know more. At 229 pages, it's not exactly a quick read, but Nichols' writing style is easy to digest - thou he does repeat info a bit much for my tastes. Still, something that should be on your shelf if you have any with interests in political history, church history, or theology.
July 22, 2023
This is a wonderful book for both those who have read on Luther's life, his writings and his importance in history.
A well laid out introduction to Martin Luther his Life, Luther the Reformer, the Pastor, the Preacher, the Musician, the untiring Author...who burned with passion for the TRUTH of God's Word.
A well laid out introduction to Martin Luther his Life, Luther the Reformer, the Pastor, the Preacher, the Musician, the untiring Author...who burned with passion for the TRUTH of God's Word.
April 24, 2014
If you are looking for a concise introduction to Martin Luther's life and theology, this is the book for you. The first portion is primarily biographical, then the author transitions into an analysis of Luther's theology and his contributions to the protestant church. Five Stars!
May 28, 2016
I love the Nichols style of handling the giants of church history if you have read his book on Edwards this follows the same format. A couple chapters offering a brief history and the remaining chapters tackle his major works.
March 1, 2015
Reveals the true Luther
Martin Luther is one of the most important figures in history. This book does a great job to describe not only Luther but also his major works.
Martin Luther is one of the most important figures in history. This book does a great job to describe not only Luther but also his major works.
December 27, 2015
This book is a fantastic introduction to Martin Luther.
June 27, 2016
Great
Loved this book, very informative and enjoyable. Very well written and I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand Martin Luther.
Loved this book, very informative and enjoyable. Very well written and I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand Martin Luther.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews