Martin Luther's Theology: A Contemporary Interpretation

by Oswald Bayer, Thomas H. Trapp (Translator)

Forty years of in-depth research on Martin Luther's theology has left Oswald Bayer uniquely qualified to present this comprehensive study. He does so with clarity and care, simply enough for nontheologians to access.

This remarkable book offers the basics of Luther's understanding of theology, discussing his response to the "philosophy of science" tradition, the formula by which he studied theology, and the basic philosophy that informed him. Bayer then takes Luther's stance on Christian dogmatics and ethics and applies it to our own theological understanding in the modern age. With such a complete Lutheran dogmatic concept -- the first of its kind offered -- the stunning inner consistency of Luther's theology and its ease of application to contemporary studies become unmistakably clear.

"Martin Luther's Theology" is a valuable tool for students and teachers of theology and for those looking for a guide into the mind and heart of Luther -- a theologian for today.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

398 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2008

Reviews

[Andrew Gates · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Bayer's goal was to write a book as if Luther wrote a systematic theology. It's interesting to compare and contrast the content and feel of a Lutheran systematic to a Reformed one. Much to learn and consider. Especially good on the nature of the promise and the all-encompassing effects our doctrine of justification has on all loci of theology. A bit long and (at points) not always super clear but still very good.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating exposition and development of Luther's theology for a contemporary context. Some bits less insightful than others; some very thought-provoking.

[Lauren Larkin]

A decent accounting of Luther's theology while avoiding the pitfall of forcing it into a linear and coherent system. Bayer highlights (what he thinks to be) the driving themes of Luther's work, with a bit heavy handedness on "speech event". I found his work on Luther to be flexible and in the trajectory of a modern appreciation of Luther, however, there are still plenty of elements prohibiting even this good work from being truly post-modern or speaking to a post-modern context (too much dependence on traditionalist language and conceptions of God). All in all, I found the book accessible (but not necessarily a lay book) and the right length consider the field. I do consider this a must read for students of Luther to grasp the trajectory of Luther studies into the new era.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bayer is a senior theologian and one of the most well-known (at least in some circles) expositors of Luther's thought from a German Lutheran perspective. While much could be said about this volume, I'll keep it short and say that the press that this book has received is completely warranted. This is a go-to work for those seeking a distillation of Martin Luther's main theological insights. If you're interested in the thought of Martin Luther, this is an essential starting place.

[Jeff Enderle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense reading. Good summary of Luther's approach to theology. I enjoyed the applications to 20th century philosophical and theological trends.

[Carlos Montijo]

Recommended by Doth Protest Too Much:
https://player.fm/series/doth-protest...

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's taken me a while to work my way through this, mainly because of other priorities and demands upon my reading time, but also because I've wanted to take my time with it, to read and think about it carefully, and to allow it time to process in my head. It's been well worth the time and effort, and I'm very glad to have digested it. A colleague suggested to me, several years ago now, that Bayer was about the only contemporary Lutheran systematician engaging in a rigorous theological enterprise and producing anything of new or noteworthy significance. I'm not qualified to assess that description, but I do appreciate the way that Bayer approaches his work, in a compelling and thought-provoking manner. This book is an honest discussion of Luther's theology, from within the Reformer's own world and work, and I found it refreshing. I've gained new thoughts, perspectives, and insights in the course of reading it, and I suspect that I'll be pondering and reflecting upon some of Bayer's points for many months to come.

I would say that the first half of the book is better and stronger than the latter half. The final third actually seemed less fully developed and finished, and more like a collection of fleshed-out lecture notes, or something of that nature. Perhaps that was the case, I don't know. There were also a few point at which I'm not convinced of Bayer's interpretation or position, or where I may not even be fully understanding what he's trying to say. His comments on the office of the ministry were lacking, in my opinion, and he seemed to be trying hard to allow space for universalism (although, whatever he was doing with that, it struck me as rather ambiguous in the end).

In any event, this is a worthy piece of work, and a worthwhile read. It's not an easy read, nor something to be tackled late at night, but I'd certainly recommend it, especially to Lutheran pastors and theologians, preachers and teachers of the Word. There's a lot here.

[Charles Puskas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful presentation of Luther's theology by a seasoned Luther scholar. Prof. Bayer draws heavily from Luther's works, including his hymns, sermons, and correspondences to provide us with the closest effort, so far, of a systematic theology of Luther. He cites many of Luther's paradoxical quotes, e.g., "Scripture transforms the one who loves it (71). Promise carries its own fulfillment (114). Faith comes from God to each person...but not all have faith (136). Our prayer is God's power (353)." Book description: Forty years of in-depth research on Martin Luther's theology has left Oswald Bayer uniquely qualified to present this comprehensive study. He does so with clarity and care, simply enough for nontheologians to access. This remarkable book offers the basics of Luther's understanding of theology, discussing his response to the "philosophy of science" tradition, the formula by which he studied theology, and the basic philosophy that informed him. Bayer then takes Luther's stance on Christian dogmatics and ethics and applies it to our own theological understanding in the modern age. With such a complete Lutheran dogmatic concept -- the first of its kind offered -- the stunning inner consistency of Luther's theology and its ease of application to contemporary studies become unmistakably clear. "Martin Luther's Theology" is a valuable tool for students and teachers of theology and for those looking for a guide into the mind and heart of Luther -- a theologian for today.

[Tylor Lovins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oswald has an interesting method for outlining Luther's theology. He does it in light of Luther's life, and, although systematically, by denying that anything about Luther's theology can be meaningfully systematic. So Oswald outlines what he takes to be Luther's thought, despite any contradictions. I think the reason for this is because what may seem like a contradiction in surface grammar disappears when one looks at the depth grammar. This is accomplished implicitly in this book. Oswald's main thing is that when one asks 'What is theology' one is asking 'Who is a theologian?' The task of theology, in light of the life of the theologian, is to ease the minds of sinners. I found this very useful, especially as I was trying to understand Christian theology in terms of Wittgenstein's philosophy.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

The translation, while adequate, is inelegant, as though it had been changed and edited too much, and comes off like an amateur philosophy text with lots of modern jargon which makes it slow trudging. The German author, however, is clearly a master.