Luther and the Stories of God: Biblical Narratives as a Foundation for Christian Living

by Robert Kolb

Martin Luther read and preached the biblical text as the record of God addressing real, flesh-and-blood people and their daily lives. He used stories to drive home his vision of the Christian life, a life that includes struggling against temptation, enduring suffering, praising God in worship and prayer, and serving one's neighbor in response to God's callings and commands. Leading Lutheran scholar Robert Kolb highlights Luther's use of storytelling in his preaching and teaching to show how Scripture undergirded Luther's approach to spiritual formation. With both depth and clarity, Kolb explores how Luther retold and expanded on biblical narratives in order to cultivate the daily life of faith in Christ.

Genres: Theology

208 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2012

About the author

Robert Kolb (PhD, University of Wisconsin) is Mission Professor of Systematic Theology emeritus at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. He is the author of numerous books including The Genius of Luther’s Theology and is coeditor of The Book of Concord (2000 translation).

Reviews

[Kendall Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good detailed survey of Luther's use of Biblical narratives in his preaching.

[Andrew Kneeland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luther's conception of "meta-narrative" is very helpful. This is a quick read that pastors would appreciate.

[Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterful Luther scholar, Robert Kolb outlines the contours of the reformer of Wittenberg and his teaching of a God who is in conversation with his people. Kolb desires to show his readers the versatility in application of Luther's stories of scripture for hearers. Any pastor who wishes to refine his ability to utilize the stories of God for the hearers of scripture will find a ready aid in this book. Any hearers who wish to better foster an understanding of the biblical story that shapes the paradigms for their life will find an immensely helpful guide and resource.

An accessible and quick read, Kolb outlines the preaching of Luther predominantly leaning on the words of the reformer. This provides an ample window into the methods and practices of Luther. As someone who saw God as the God who speaks to his creation, Luther sought to be in conversation with his people and shape their character, life, and even death in light of this conversation with God.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers great insight into the preaching of Luther. While others might dig into his published works, there is a real investment in his sermons here. It demonstrates that rather than “find his home” in one particular part of scripture (as some have accused him of living in Romans and Galatians), Kolb shows Luther as a truly biblical theologian. He tried to give his hearts a new identity apart from the RCC as children of God. He had a profound love for Scripture, not just as the Word of God but as the narratives untold. The Bible reveals the attributes of God through His past actions. It can be a bit dense at times, however. At times, Kolb pays too much attention to the narratives that Luther uses, rather than his application of the passages. Overall, it is a great academic resource into the preaching style of the Reformer.

[Becky Filipek · Rating 4 out of 5]

At times I know I should have tried to focus my mind a little more on what I was reading, as this is an academic work. I think it would pair very well with Luther's own works. I especially appreciated the final chapter: "Living Well Leads to Dying Well." It was very pertinent to this Holy Week, and also our current situation with the global pandemic.

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything Dr. Kolb writes is worth reading. Well written, entertaining and exceedingly greatly lavished with examples and illustrations. Maybe not a quick read, but well worth the effort. I had Dr. Kolb at the Seminary and always felt I was trying to fill a glass of water from a fire hydrant! His status has changed at the Sem which gives him more time to write, which is good!