Christian Freedom: Faith Working through Love

by Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Edward A. Engelbrecht (Editor)

This edition of "Christian Freedom" is unique in that it includes Luther's extensive Bible commentary and Melanchthon's explanation of the topic. Introductory notes, illustrations and glossaries help these classic writings be meaningful today. It includes Luther's famous treatise, selections from Luther's Bible lectures, Melanchthon's research, and additional study aids.

195 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2011

About the author

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer whose ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.

Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.

Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.

His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.

Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.

Reviews

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

CPH has once again provided a delightful and insightful resource and designed it in an approprite manner, by providing a easily manageable reading plan during the season of Lent. "Christian Freedom" has long been available from Luther's Works. But this little booklet is different. It not only presents one of the pinical works of Dr. Luther, but combines it with some of his later sermons and the writing of Philip Mclanchthon. This little tome becomes an inspiring and thought provoking book, so appropriate for the time of the church year and for the times we are in, showing that the Word of God is never out of season and is always there to care for and guide us according to His will.

[Jeremiah Gumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely and excellent. Designed to be devotional in nature, this book includes historical context for Luther's 1520 treatise, On the Freedom of a Christian, as well as a fresh translation of that treatise, collected writings by Luther on Christian Freedom, and a portion of Philipp Melanchthon's Loci on the same subject. The appendixes are also helpful.

[JonM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every admirer of Martin Luther should own this book because it's constant, hammering message of freedom through faith in Christ alone was clearly his most cherished doctrine. I actually gave this book four stars because I don't agree with some of Luther's exegetical remarks, and I think his understanding of God's Law for Christian ethics was a work in progress. However, Luther's treatise on Christian freedom is a masterpiece of literature. Plus, this reader's guide includes excerpts from a handful of sermons which Luther preached on the subject of Christian freedom, and a brief excursus of God's Law in relation to Christian freedom (by Philip Melanchthon). I considered Melanchthon's excursus a breath of fresh air compared to some of the thick, foggy attempts of Luther to harmonize faith and law.

[Kara Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic and a masterpiece. The inclusion of supporting material such as excerpts from Luther's sermons and lectures, background historical information, the glossaries, and even a schedule for reading this over the 40 days of Lent make it even more valuable. Is is worthy of a spot on every confessional Lutheran's shelf, but read it before shelving it!