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Luther the Reformer: The Story of the Man and His Career
Engaging and authoritative, Kittleson's important and popular biography is here ― represented with a new cover and new preface by the author. His single-volume biography has become a standard resource for those who wish to delve into the depths of the Reformer without drowning in a sea of scholarly concerns.
340 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 1985
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213 people want to read
About the author
James M. Kittelson
7 books4 followersJames Matthew Kittelson was professor emeritus of history at Ohio State University.
He graduated from Saint Olaf College in 1963. With the support of a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship (1963) and a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship (1966–67), he earned the PhD (1969) in Reformation history from Stanford University under the direction of Lewis Spitz. After four years on the history faculty at the University of Iowa, he joined the history department at Ohio State University, where he taught for 26 years.
He carried on vigorously the distinguished tradition of teaching and research on the Reformation that had been established by his predecessor, Harold Grimm.
Kittelson appreciated the contributions of Ohio State University's Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, which he served with his advice, support, and many scholarly connections in the fields of Reformation, Renaissance, and early modern history. In 1983–84, he served as acting director of the center.
Kittelson was a devoted scholar who concentrated on Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, especially as it unfolded in the city of Strasbourg, whose archives he knew extraordinarily well. Kittelson published three books, including Wolfgang Capito from Humanist to Reformer (1975), and most recently Toward an Established Church: Strasbourg from 1500 to the Dawn of the Seventeenth Century (2000).
The book that reached the widest audience was Luther the Reformer (1986), which drew on his lifelong interest in Luther and is both scholarly and readable. It has been translated into Chinese, Estonian, Finnish, Korean, and Portuguese. In addition, he published about 30 articles and essays.
His talent and intellectual achievements were recognized by prestigious awards, including a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, and grants from the American Council of Learned Societies and the American Philosophical Society.
For three decades, he was a leader in the field of Reformation studies, to which he gave generously of his time and talent, serving on the editorial boards of Studies in the Reformation and the Lutheran Quarterly. He also was a member of the board of directors of the Center for Reformation Research (Saint Louis) and of the executive committees of the Newberry Library's Renaissance Center and the Society for Reformation Research.
In his life and his scholarship, there was a continuing and enriching interaction between his proud affiliation with the Lutheran Church and his deep knowledge of its origins and development.
In 1997, he received a richly deserved offer from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that he could not refuse. He was invited to be professor of church history as well as director of the Thrivent Reformation Research Program, which specializes in gathering and making available to scholars 16th-century printed materials on Luther and the Lutheran Reformation. He welcomed the opportunity to spend the remainder of his career in such a setting, working with future pastors and leaders in the Lutheran Church. He retired from Ohio State University and took up the new positions that he held until his death.
- abbreviated, from http://www.historians.org/publication...
He graduated from Saint Olaf College in 1963. With the support of a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship (1963) and a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship (1966–67), he earned the PhD (1969) in Reformation history from Stanford University under the direction of Lewis Spitz. After four years on the history faculty at the University of Iowa, he joined the history department at Ohio State University, where he taught for 26 years.
He carried on vigorously the distinguished tradition of teaching and research on the Reformation that had been established by his predecessor, Harold Grimm.
Kittelson appreciated the contributions of Ohio State University's Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, which he served with his advice, support, and many scholarly connections in the fields of Reformation, Renaissance, and early modern history. In 1983–84, he served as acting director of the center.
Kittelson was a devoted scholar who concentrated on Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation, especially as it unfolded in the city of Strasbourg, whose archives he knew extraordinarily well. Kittelson published three books, including Wolfgang Capito from Humanist to Reformer (1975), and most recently Toward an Established Church: Strasbourg from 1500 to the Dawn of the Seventeenth Century (2000).
The book that reached the widest audience was Luther the Reformer (1986), which drew on his lifelong interest in Luther and is both scholarly and readable. It has been translated into Chinese, Estonian, Finnish, Korean, and Portuguese. In addition, he published about 30 articles and essays.
His talent and intellectual achievements were recognized by prestigious awards, including a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship, and grants from the American Council of Learned Societies and the American Philosophical Society.
For three decades, he was a leader in the field of Reformation studies, to which he gave generously of his time and talent, serving on the editorial boards of Studies in the Reformation and the Lutheran Quarterly. He also was a member of the board of directors of the Center for Reformation Research (Saint Louis) and of the executive committees of the Newberry Library's Renaissance Center and the Society for Reformation Research.
In his life and his scholarship, there was a continuing and enriching interaction between his proud affiliation with the Lutheran Church and his deep knowledge of its origins and development.
In 1997, he received a richly deserved offer from Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, that he could not refuse. He was invited to be professor of church history as well as director of the Thrivent Reformation Research Program, which specializes in gathering and making available to scholars 16th-century printed materials on Luther and the Lutheran Reformation. He welcomed the opportunity to spend the remainder of his career in such a setting, working with future pastors and leaders in the Lutheran Church. He retired from Ohio State University and took up the new positions that he held until his death.
- abbreviated, from http://www.historians.org/publication...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 27, 2011
At the time I reading this I was sleeping on a floor with no job and no money. I had a few PBJ's to my name and a completely empty apartment. Didn't even have a stove. I grew up Lutheran and Luther has always been a bit of a hero to me. Seemed pretty baller, 95 theses and all, so to aspiring to be him is something ingrained into my prepubescent brain (except for the anti-semite thing). I'd always heard stories of him transcribing the Bible and seemed to be portrayed as this locked away sort of character. A dude who was hidden in the libraries. Now, sure he was there a lot, doing tons or writing. But very early on he broke away from his monastic roots because quite frankly is sucked. He was the best there was at not sinning and he wasn't even close. He shoved off the Monk robes and figured out the true meaning of Christianity, and part of that is not hiding, not living in a closet...or an empty apartment. This book was what helped me figure out the ending to my book, "I Hate Chicago," and really helped me figure out a core concept of the way I live my life. And this is why I can't hide away anymore. This is why I don't live like a monk. This is why I live in the city.
September 2, 2009
We have so many reasons to thank God for the gift of Martin Luther, as I was reminded in reading Kittelson's wonderful biography: his book is very compelling yet accessible to the everyday reader. You don't have to be a theologian to appreciate the weight of Luther's life as a reformer who followed the Lord's leading despite excommunication, harsh criticism, and even the threat of death. I think we as Christians should be reminded more often that the faith and doctrine we enjoy today is a gift bought with the blood and sweat of those saints who lived by the grace of God before us.
July 6, 2022
I am reviewing the second edition, edited in 2016 by Hans Wiersma.
I found this to be an engaging and interesting read, and I thought there was a good balance between telling the story of Luther the man while also delving into theological issues. As this was published by Augsburg Fortress and authored and edited by professors at Lutheran schools, I wasn't surprised by the obvious slant, but I was sometimes annoyed by the dismissive language used when describing the beliefs and practices of the medieval Church. At times it felt like the author was really stretching things to make Luther seem less offensive, but without it quite working (Luther wasn't anti-semitic, he was just anti-Jewish!), or acting like his threats and fighting words were merely amusing, when in fact they encouraged and resulted in very real violence. I think this book lets Luther off too easily, apparently viewing his explicit calls for violence against Jews, Turks, Anabaptists, and Roman Catholics as simply emblematic of an endearing trait of stubbornness and a fondness for colorful language.
Luther was definitely a complicated character, but I left this book with the feeling that the aspect of Martin Luther I admire most was his charming relationship with his wife, Katie, and the wonderful, fun way he wrote about her and their children.
I found this to be an engaging and interesting read, and I thought there was a good balance between telling the story of Luther the man while also delving into theological issues. As this was published by Augsburg Fortress and authored and edited by professors at Lutheran schools, I wasn't surprised by the obvious slant, but I was sometimes annoyed by the dismissive language used when describing the beliefs and practices of the medieval Church. At times it felt like the author was really stretching things to make Luther seem less offensive, but without it quite working (Luther wasn't anti-semitic, he was just anti-Jewish!), or acting like his threats and fighting words were merely amusing, when in fact they encouraged and resulted in very real violence. I think this book lets Luther off too easily, apparently viewing his explicit calls for violence against Jews, Turks, Anabaptists, and Roman Catholics as simply emblematic of an endearing trait of stubbornness and a fondness for colorful language.
Luther was definitely a complicated character, but I left this book with the feeling that the aspect of Martin Luther I admire most was his charming relationship with his wife, Katie, and the wonderful, fun way he wrote about her and their children.
February 8, 2012
This was a great book for understanding both the history and theology of Martin Luther. I have a greater understanding of the man and his times, as well as the roots of Protestant and Lutheran beliefs. If you want a book that does a good job of blending these two subjects (a biography and an explanation of theology), this is a good one.
February 26, 2023
It might have been a mistake to read another biography immediately following Chernow’s masterful
Grant
, because I found Luther the Reformer something of a disappointment. After purporting to tell the story of “the man and his career,” Kittelson instead provides a dry, biased history that barely even scratches the surface of the complexity of Luther and his times. Considering the pivotal events through which Luther lived and in which he played a vital part, I hoped for a far more detailed, nuanced treatment, for which it seems I will have to continue searching.
Kittelson begins his biography by asserting that Luther was remarkably consistent throughout his career in his opinions and positions on the topics upon which he wrote and lectured and which made him famous, but he never takes pains to explain why, or how he achieved those positions in the first place. This is a glaring oversight, because no one is simply born into complex thoughts, philosophies, and opinions. Although Kittelson tells us a little of Luther’s childhood and calls out a few key personal moments, they are disjointed, unsupported, and out of context. We never really get to know Luther well enough to understand him or how he thinks. The historical distance is a partially exonerating factor, but given Luther’s voluminous writings, and his central role in the day’s controversies, there is substantial documentation from which to make inferences and gather facts (in fact, I shall be reviewing a few of his writings in the future – The Bondage of the Will has been on my reading list for some time).
The biography is presented as the man and his career, but it ought perhaps to simply be presented as the story of his career, so scarce is any information personal to Luther. If this were not so, perhaps I would be more inclined towards generosity towards Luther’s positions. As it is, Kittelson’s unwavering support for Luther’s theological and political writings makes me less inclined to accept them. This is not merely the generosity of spirit which I discussed in my review for Grant; it is a blatant glossing over, whitewashing, and ignoring of Luther’s flaws and complexities. The vulgar bombast of Luther’s language in his polemics, for instances, speaks to one such, an exhibition of his uncompromising and absolutist tendencies, but this is uniformly either ignored, or lauded as a feature.
Indeed, Kittelson actively presents Luther positively for his obstinate dedication to the infallibility of his own theological thought, but never explains how Luther came by such confidence. This view stands in contrast to other works I’ve read, which place Luther as a more passive figure seeking moderate reform only to be swept up, at times unwillingly, in the turbulence of the Reformation. Rather like Grant, actually (clearly, I still have Grant on the mind), some sources even depict Luther as a hapless figurehead for larger historical forces. I am ready to accept a more active role for Luther – someone of such clear intelligence as is exhibited in his writings can neither be purely a figurehead nor entirely ignorant of the consequences of his actions – but some discussion of the larger historical context, especially geopolitically, that helped to drive the Reformation would have helped give a fuller picture. For instance, the same forces that drove the Magna Carta were arguably at play in the reformation.
While I would not go so far as to say that Kittelson’s biography is bad, neither would I say it is particularly worth reading, even as a starting point. Were it a little more nuanced, and a little less biased, it might serve in that capacity. As much as Luther is a fascinating figure, and part of an enormously important historical movement whose ripples affected everything from the course of the European Enlightenment to the rise of western democracy, there are surely better places to begin a study of him and his times than with Luther the Reformer.
July 21, 2011
Excellent read for those looking for some in-depth background on Luther! A must read during Reformation--although it took me longer to get it finished! :)
September 19, 2017
Must read for anyone wanting a good perspective on theology. Luther was a radical and his ideas are as radical today as ever.
October 26, 2017
Martin Luther is an important and controversial figure in the history of the Christian faith. Most believers know him as the one who started the Protestant Reformation with his nailing of the 95 Theses to the church doors on All Hallows Day so many years ago. However, many people also remember him as a pompous, uncaring, Anti-Semitic Catholic that God somehow found a way to use to save and then use mightily. If you would have asked me about this a few days ago, I would have agreed with the previous statement. And that is the reason why I picked up this book, because I wanted to understand Luther, to see the world from his perspective. It’s easy to lash out against someone without ever walking in their shoes.
For starters, James Kittleson is a masterful writer. He expertly explains the world that Luther grew up in while showing both his strengths and flaws in equal lighting. Kittleson is not an individual to hide from the rough patches in Luther’s life in order to make him someone that he was not. Instead, Kittleson explains the background of Luther’s life, the things that he did, and the reasons that he thought the way he did. I found myself swept up into the life of an individual that I had for years, greatly misunderstood.
If there is one word to describe Luther, it would be consistent. He played no favorites and he made no exceptions. Through careful studying of God’s Word, Kittleson shows how Luther slowly grew into understanding the truth that God’s grace comes only through faith and not works. Once Luther understood the truth of the Gospel, nothing shook that. He viewed anyone who ignored or misused the Word of God as agents of Satan. This is the reason for his often sharp and controversial speech. He was not afraid or hesitant to declare someone as an agent of Satan to their face if they misused God’s Word. And yet, though Luther had many faults, his greatest strength was his utter dependency on the Word of God and utter steadfastness to it. No one could shake him from what the Scriptures said. However, his views were occasionally built upon wrong interpretations of the Bible which did lead him to hold to the ideas that he is most criticized for, including: his firm belief in the transubstantiation of the Eucharist and rejection of anyone who disagreed, his view that if a book of the Bible had little mention of the Gospel then it was of little importance, and his disdain of the Jews because of their rejection of Christ as God’s chosen people.
Luther was not a perfect man. But he was a consistent man. He could be sharp of tongue, but also soft of speech. He was a pastor who shepherded his sheep and he deeply cared for those who knew him. His love of the Word shone into every area of his life. Even Erasmus, who Luther declared a heretic due to a minute disagreement on the Lord’s Supper, said of Luther, “God gave this last age a sharp physician on account of its great sickness.” Did Luther have his faults? Oh yes, but He loved the Lord and He loved God’s Word. He embodied the mindset of Psalm 119 as everything He did was punctuated by his love of the Scriptures.
Luther started as a peasant’s son and then managed to receive an education and become a priest. He was pious and devout to his faith, but he could not reconcile God’s righteousness and his own sinfulness. At many points, he despaired of his own life because of this. It is incredible to see how God used this one man, this one priest, to look into His Word and see the long-ignored truth that it held within, that grace comes through faith alone. He used this one man tremendously in a whirlwind of events and political maneuverings to bring about an awareness of the corruption of the Catholic Church. God used Martin Luther mightily. And if anything, this book has reminded me of how great and awesome and sovereign our God is and how he can transform a single individual to change the world. All glory be to our God. Read this book. See God’s sovereignty and power. You will thank me for it.
For starters, James Kittleson is a masterful writer. He expertly explains the world that Luther grew up in while showing both his strengths and flaws in equal lighting. Kittleson is not an individual to hide from the rough patches in Luther’s life in order to make him someone that he was not. Instead, Kittleson explains the background of Luther’s life, the things that he did, and the reasons that he thought the way he did. I found myself swept up into the life of an individual that I had for years, greatly misunderstood.
If there is one word to describe Luther, it would be consistent. He played no favorites and he made no exceptions. Through careful studying of God’s Word, Kittleson shows how Luther slowly grew into understanding the truth that God’s grace comes only through faith and not works. Once Luther understood the truth of the Gospel, nothing shook that. He viewed anyone who ignored or misused the Word of God as agents of Satan. This is the reason for his often sharp and controversial speech. He was not afraid or hesitant to declare someone as an agent of Satan to their face if they misused God’s Word. And yet, though Luther had many faults, his greatest strength was his utter dependency on the Word of God and utter steadfastness to it. No one could shake him from what the Scriptures said. However, his views were occasionally built upon wrong interpretations of the Bible which did lead him to hold to the ideas that he is most criticized for, including: his firm belief in the transubstantiation of the Eucharist and rejection of anyone who disagreed, his view that if a book of the Bible had little mention of the Gospel then it was of little importance, and his disdain of the Jews because of their rejection of Christ as God’s chosen people.
Luther was not a perfect man. But he was a consistent man. He could be sharp of tongue, but also soft of speech. He was a pastor who shepherded his sheep and he deeply cared for those who knew him. His love of the Word shone into every area of his life. Even Erasmus, who Luther declared a heretic due to a minute disagreement on the Lord’s Supper, said of Luther, “God gave this last age a sharp physician on account of its great sickness.” Did Luther have his faults? Oh yes, but He loved the Lord and He loved God’s Word. He embodied the mindset of Psalm 119 as everything He did was punctuated by his love of the Scriptures.
Luther started as a peasant’s son and then managed to receive an education and become a priest. He was pious and devout to his faith, but he could not reconcile God’s righteousness and his own sinfulness. At many points, he despaired of his own life because of this. It is incredible to see how God used this one man, this one priest, to look into His Word and see the long-ignored truth that it held within, that grace comes through faith alone. He used this one man tremendously in a whirlwind of events and political maneuverings to bring about an awareness of the corruption of the Catholic Church. God used Martin Luther mightily. And if anything, this book has reminded me of how great and awesome and sovereign our God is and how he can transform a single individual to change the world. All glory be to our God. Read this book. See God’s sovereignty and power. You will thank me for it.
January 3, 2023
A good friend's dad is a Lutheran pastor and professor. When I told him I wanted to learn more about Luther, his face lit up and he handed me this book. Now, just to be clear, this guy isn't a fanatic. He's part of a mainline Protestant body. Think the neighborhood church in a midsized American city. The congregation is old and they vote in every election, no matter what it's for, and they always pick the Democrat. I'm pretty sure the head Bishop said that Hell is empty.
This biography is apparently highly regarded amongst scholars and theologians in that milieu. It assumes that you know a good deal about Christian history and theology and that you've read the Bible. I went to Hebrew school almost twenty years ago and I recently watched Martin Scorsese's excellent film The Last Temptation of Christ. That's it, more or less.
One thing jumped out to me, even though I'm a layman. Luther believed salvation only comes through faith. Good deeds become sins if they're performed in the expectation of Heavenly reward. However, he was a fervent believer in temporal law. Other Protestants took Luther's teachings to what seems to me to be their logical conclusion - the destruction of hierarchy. This is the famous "Peasants' War" that Engels wrote about. And yet Luther condemned those movements in violent polemics (featuring a ton of poop jokes, which Luther loved).
Politically, it makes sense. Luther needed the protection of German princes against the Catholic Church. Theologically, not so much. In a world where actions mean nothing to God, where all that matters is faith, why should punishment remain?
I'll ask my buddy's dad and get back to you guys.
This biography is apparently highly regarded amongst scholars and theologians in that milieu. It assumes that you know a good deal about Christian history and theology and that you've read the Bible. I went to Hebrew school almost twenty years ago and I recently watched Martin Scorsese's excellent film The Last Temptation of Christ. That's it, more or less.
One thing jumped out to me, even though I'm a layman. Luther believed salvation only comes through faith. Good deeds become sins if they're performed in the expectation of Heavenly reward. However, he was a fervent believer in temporal law. Other Protestants took Luther's teachings to what seems to me to be their logical conclusion - the destruction of hierarchy. This is the famous "Peasants' War" that Engels wrote about. And yet Luther condemned those movements in violent polemics (featuring a ton of poop jokes, which Luther loved).
Politically, it makes sense. Luther needed the protection of German princes against the Catholic Church. Theologically, not so much. In a world where actions mean nothing to God, where all that matters is faith, why should punishment remain?
I'll ask my buddy's dad and get back to you guys.
August 24, 2018
This was a good introduction to the life and work of Martin Luther. It not only presents the biographical information that influenced who he would be but also gives the reader a thorough look at the development of Luther’s theology. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to know more about Luther and what he taught. Everyone who bears the name Lutheran should know the things found in this book. Those who would want to criticize Luther should also read this book in order to get a balanced look at the famous reformer.
October 6, 2017
This book is a biography and summary of Luther's life and progression of religious thinking and writing. I found the book helpful and has lead me to read more deeply about Martin Luther. As a life long Lutheran, this has been a missing piece of history to me. The idea to read this book with my reading club is to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the reformation. This book was recommended by my minister who read it in seminary.
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August 16, 2024When we were in school, we were taught how the dark ages in Europe is broken by Renaissance and Reformation. Yet we never learned explicitly how does both of this event causes such a change in Europe. This book gave a glimpse of one such causes. We couldn't learn the history of reformation without also understanding the history of the reformer. This biography could illuminate the history that people generally skims over. A usefull book.
November 3, 2022
Well written, entertaining, and comprehensive for such compilation of a dramatic life. I did find that the author's bias was quite palpable especially in articulating a particular theological orientation from Luther. Too much assuming for me.
May 12, 2017
Excellent, accessible biography of Martin Luther. Our book Club has been studying this for three months.
September 18, 2017
A fantastic read and easy to follow! Covers all the main points of this Titan's life and work!
May 28, 2024
Solid but easily readable narration of Martin Luther's life. It gives enough detail for a reader to grasp the story, but is short enough that the casual reader can engage it.
October 27, 2020
A good biography of 16th century German reformer Martin Luther, with a bit more depth than entry level biographies. Includes pictures of artifacts from the times, which I always appreciate. Luther is a man who's well worth gaining an acquaintance with, whether you're interested in reformed Christianity or not in my humble view.
September 30, 2016
A detailed, evenhanded account of Luther's life and theology. Dry but informative.
February 12, 2017
I "really liked" it (4 stars) personally, but that's because I read it in small doses and can tolerate pain well.
It is the detailed chronicling of Luther's doctrinal positions and every last argument he had to engage in that makes the book tedious - even though interesting for a review of issues 500 years ago.
The theological disputes and Luther's learnings are scattered throughout the years of his personal life. The story gives the reader multiple glimpses of life on the European continent 500 years ago, and made me realize how little I know or comprehend the thoughts of that time. Which of course leads to what do we modern Western individuals take as granted, who are our gods, what do we believe, being questions to muse on.
Nevertheless, this slow book is worth it, as the reformation and ultimate schism of Catholicism and Protestantism is a rather important development with implications still today.
It is the detailed chronicling of Luther's doctrinal positions and every last argument he had to engage in that makes the book tedious - even though interesting for a review of issues 500 years ago.
The theological disputes and Luther's learnings are scattered throughout the years of his personal life. The story gives the reader multiple glimpses of life on the European continent 500 years ago, and made me realize how little I know or comprehend the thoughts of that time. Which of course leads to what do we modern Western individuals take as granted, who are our gods, what do we believe, being questions to muse on.
Nevertheless, this slow book is worth it, as the reformation and ultimate schism of Catholicism and Protestantism is a rather important development with implications still today.
March 16, 2023
The book provides a detailed account of Luther's life, from his early years as a student in Erfurt, through his experience as an Augustinian friar, his theological breakthroughs, his conflicts with the Catholic Church, and his later years as a leader of the Reformation movement.
Kittelson portrays Luther as a complex and often contradictory figure, with a fierce intellect and a fiery temper. He explores Luther's theological beliefs, including his rejection of the Catholic doctrine of justification by works and his insistence on the authority of the Bible as the sole source of Christian doctrine. Kittelson also examines Luther's social and political impact, including his role in the Peasants' War and his influence on the development of the German language.
Overall, "Luther the Reformer" provides a comprehensive and engaging account of Luther's life and legacy, shedding light on his significance not only as a religious leader but also as a cultural and historical figure.
Key Takeaways:
Luther's religious views were shaped by his experiences as a monk and his study of the Bible. He came to reject many of the teachings of the Catholic Church, including the idea that salvation could be earned through good works.
Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, which he nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517, were a critique of the Church's sale of indulgences. This act is often seen as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
Luther's ideas about the role of faith and grace in salvation led him to break with the Catholic Church and establish a new branch of Christianity, which came to be known as Lutheranism.
Luther's influence extended beyond religion to politics and society. His views on individual conscience, freedom of religion, and the role of the state in promoting social justice helped shape the modern world.
Despite his contributions, Luther was not without his flaws. He held deeply anti-Semitic views and was an enthusiastic supporter of German nationalism, which has led some to criticize his legacy.
Kittelson portrays Luther as a complex and often contradictory figure, with a fierce intellect and a fiery temper. He explores Luther's theological beliefs, including his rejection of the Catholic doctrine of justification by works and his insistence on the authority of the Bible as the sole source of Christian doctrine. Kittelson also examines Luther's social and political impact, including his role in the Peasants' War and his influence on the development of the German language.
Overall, "Luther the Reformer" provides a comprehensive and engaging account of Luther's life and legacy, shedding light on his significance not only as a religious leader but also as a cultural and historical figure.
Key Takeaways:
Luther's religious views were shaped by his experiences as a monk and his study of the Bible. He came to reject many of the teachings of the Catholic Church, including the idea that salvation could be earned through good works.
Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, which he nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517, were a critique of the Church's sale of indulgences. This act is often seen as the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.
Luther's ideas about the role of faith and grace in salvation led him to break with the Catholic Church and establish a new branch of Christianity, which came to be known as Lutheranism.
Luther's influence extended beyond religion to politics and society. His views on individual conscience, freedom of religion, and the role of the state in promoting social justice helped shape the modern world.
Despite his contributions, Luther was not without his flaws. He held deeply anti-Semitic views and was an enthusiastic supporter of German nationalism, which has led some to criticize his legacy.
March 7, 2015
Kittelson presents a complete narrative of Martin Luther's life, from birth to death, from career milestones and theology to his personality and personal life. He seamlessly weaves in primary sources, including quotes from Luther's (and other) writings and relevant pictures, and he supports his detailed account with plenty of other secondary sources. Kittelson also presents other scholars and theologians in the text and explains their criticisms of Luther and Luther's criticisms of them, which expands the text from a narrowly focused biography to a source on the ideas that were being discussed in the Reformation. Kittelson's style and writing was clear and focused and this book is very accessible to all readers.
September 15, 2011
This was a great book about the life and times of Martin Luther. It covers every aspect of Luther's life from his family background, birth, earlier years, life as a monk, university professor, reformer, death. It covers the whole of his life in prose like writing that is easy to read. Some might think that it is too thick but it is a very engaging read that keeps you interested the whole time. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a biography on Luther.
February 5, 2015
I am a lifetime Lutheran and attended Lutheran grade school, high school and college (for my undergrad degree). Therefore, every year, we would talk about Martin Luther, generally during October in the days leading up to the Reformation on Oct 31. Since I was studying to be a Lutheran grade school teacher, we had an in depth study of Martin Luther as part of one of our history courses and we were required to read this book. It is a well written biography.
November 8, 2015
A straightforward, workman-like recounting of the life and times of Martin Luther. Kittelson delineates the delicate and complicated political backdrop that set Luther's theological insights into a real world context, The book gave me a better appreciation for the pressure cooker atmosphere that all parties, Luther and his circle, the German princes, Emperor Charles V, and the Pope, were subject to.
June 24, 2016
With Reformation history being my concentration for my History degree, I can honestly that this is a great overview of the Reformation and Martin Luther. The book proceeds chronologically following the beginning of discontent before Martin Luther all the way to his death and legacy.
This book would serve the purpose of a broad secondary source for undergraduates or history buffs looking to learn a little more about Luther.
This book would serve the purpose of a broad secondary source for undergraduates or history buffs looking to learn a little more about Luther.
November 13, 2012
An excellent biography of Martin Luther. However the Kindle version has several formatting problems. In three places in the book the Kindle gets stuck on two pages and refuses to flip past them using the forward and back buttons. You can get around this by using the go to location feature and selecting the next number after the stuck section.
March 10, 2013
A very good and easy-to-read historical account of Luther's life, touching on the theological issues for which he is known. Kittelson ably re-creates Luther's temperment, which has been frequently misunderstood.
January 22, 2009
More comprehensive than Bainton's Here I Stand and almost as well written. A little hagiographic but probably the best one volume treatment.
February 5, 2010
I read this for my Luther class at GCTS ... very enjoyable, good, non-technical introduction to Luther's life and thought.
December 15, 2010
my favorite Luther bio is readable in one sitting, yet gives a full picture of the reformer's thought world
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