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Meet Martin Luther: A Sketch of the Reformer's Life
Martin Luther (1483-1546) contributed so much to the development of Western civilization that it is not overstatement to declare that he changed the world as he set the Protestant Reformation in motion five hundred years ago. In this brief sketch, you will learn about the exciting historical facts and fascinating events surrounding this Reformer's influential life. Luther's story provides a picture of the gospelan object lesson of faith, grace, and the forgiveness that can be found only in Jesus Christ.
168 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Anthony T. Selvaggio
3 books4 followersAnthony T Selvaggio (J.D. The University of Buffalo School of Law; M.Div., Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary) currently serves as a visiting professor of Biblical Studies at the Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, PA. He is also Theologian in Residence at the Rochester Reformed Presbyterian Church in Rochester.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 15, 2018
Biografia curta e lúcida do reformador alemão. Gostei!
February 11, 2019
Very good sketch.
Ch. 1: The Young Luther
ripple effects of his life really did change the world
1517: Martin changed his name from Luder to Luther (related Greek word means "free")
wealthy mother
Hans (father) wanted Martin to study law
Ch. 2: The Crisis and the Cowl
ironies: prayed to St. Anne; became an Augustinian monk; taught theology
first mass; began doctoral work (finished in 1512)
Ch. 3: Wittenberg and the Word of God
"tower experience" was more likely evolutionary than one moment
plenary indulgences (Leo X, Tetzel's spectacle)
Ch. 4: The Dawn of the Reformation
1518: Cum postquam: papal bull indicated papal authority to issue indulgences
Luther vs. Cajetan
Frederick affirmed support of Luther (based on a letter Luther wrote, offering to leave)
Ch. 5: The Heat of Battle
Leipzig Debate (Luther vs. Eck; Luther didn't mind the Hus comparison; popes/councils can err)
1520: Exsurge Domine (papal bull from Leo X)
3 treatises in 1520: To the German Nobility (3 walls; priesthood of believers; two kingdoms), The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (2 sacraments; Lord's Supper is not a sacrifice), The Freedom of the Christian (obedience to law doesn't effect salvation; serving neighbors)
1521: Decet Romanum Pontificem (papal bull excommunicating Luther)
Ch. 6: The Diet of Worms
1521: Edict of Worms called Luther a demon
Ch. 7: From Wartburg to Wittenberg
translated the New Testament into German
changes he was involved in (although hidden from public life): clergy marriage, sharing the sacramental cup with the laity, sacraments in common tongue (not Latin), eating meat on fast days, no prayers for the dead
Karlstadt's radicalism; sermon on Christmas 1521 (no vestments or reference to sacrifice, in German, offered cup to laity)
some riots; rejection of images and instruments in church
rise of Anabaptists
some radicals got back in line
Luther's return in 1522
Ch. 8: Leader, Husband, and Theologian
1525: Peasants' War
Luther chose order over chaos—nicest way to put Luther's writing, which condemned the peasants for their violent rebellion
1525: married Katie (Luther was 42); had made bed only about once a year
Tabletalk
loss of children (include a 14-year-old daughter)
1524: Erasmus on the will; Luther's response in 1525 (maybe most famous thing he wrote)
Ch. 9: A Church Is Born
Luther had musical skills; said music was second only to theology in importance to Christians and the church
introduced congregational singing (which he understood as both celebratory and educational)
comments on music [see here]; godly kings paid singers
Zwingli: no instruments (NT doesn't have any)
other conflicts with Zwingli (Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper); 3-day meeting in October 1529 (no compromise)
January 1530: Melanchthon and the Augsburg Diet/Confession (Charles V); became foundation for later creeds and confessions, not to mention the Lutheran church; Augsburg Confession was the first attempt to consolidate Reformation doctrine
Large and Small Catechisms
1534–35: Anabaptists and the Münster Rebellion
Tabletalk: a Reformation book of proverbs
1530s: Galatians lectures (3 years)—Paul's clearest teaching of the gospel
Wittenberg: ordination powers given to the theological faculty (if no bishop)
qualifications for pastors include rhetorical skill
Ch. 10:
poor health
1545: harsh tone toward the pope (donkey, flatulence)
wrote against the Jews (said positive things about Jews earlier in his life); we do look back with a post-Holocaust lens (and comments are regarding theological issues), but his words are still inexcusable (Bainton and Selvaggio wish that Luther had died before he wrote these words); lent unintentional support for Nazi Antisemitism
Luther (and Bucer and Melanchthon) looked the other way regarding the bigamy of Philip of Hesse (an important ally)
Feb. 8, 1546: died in early morning (chest pain)
1546–47: Charles V and the Schmalkaldic War
1648: Westminster Standards
Epilogue: An Assessment of the Life of Luther
1492: Columbus arrived in Americas when Luther was 9
in a way, Luther was successful in reforming Rome: Council of Trent (e.g., indulgences addressed; see here for an earlier pope's condemnation of papal infallibility)
unintended consequences: theological diversity, democracy/individualism)
not intended to be a hagiography
Ch. 1: The Young Luther
ripple effects of his life really did change the world
1517: Martin changed his name from Luder to Luther (related Greek word means "free")
wealthy mother
Hans (father) wanted Martin to study law
Ch. 2: The Crisis and the Cowl
ironies: prayed to St. Anne; became an Augustinian monk; taught theology
first mass; began doctoral work (finished in 1512)
Ch. 3: Wittenberg and the Word of God
"tower experience" was more likely evolutionary than one moment
plenary indulgences (Leo X, Tetzel's spectacle)
Ch. 4: The Dawn of the Reformation
1518: Cum postquam: papal bull indicated papal authority to issue indulgences
Luther vs. Cajetan
Frederick affirmed support of Luther (based on a letter Luther wrote, offering to leave)
Ch. 5: The Heat of Battle
Leipzig Debate (Luther vs. Eck; Luther didn't mind the Hus comparison; popes/councils can err)
1520: Exsurge Domine (papal bull from Leo X)
3 treatises in 1520: To the German Nobility (3 walls; priesthood of believers; two kingdoms), The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (2 sacraments; Lord's Supper is not a sacrifice), The Freedom of the Christian (obedience to law doesn't effect salvation; serving neighbors)
1521: Decet Romanum Pontificem (papal bull excommunicating Luther)
Ch. 6: The Diet of Worms
1521: Edict of Worms called Luther a demon
Ch. 7: From Wartburg to Wittenberg
translated the New Testament into German
changes he was involved in (although hidden from public life): clergy marriage, sharing the sacramental cup with the laity, sacraments in common tongue (not Latin), eating meat on fast days, no prayers for the dead
Karlstadt's radicalism; sermon on Christmas 1521 (no vestments or reference to sacrifice, in German, offered cup to laity)
some riots; rejection of images and instruments in church
rise of Anabaptists
some radicals got back in line
Luther's return in 1522
Ch. 8: Leader, Husband, and Theologian
1525: Peasants' War
Luther chose order over chaos—nicest way to put Luther's writing, which condemned the peasants for their violent rebellion
1525: married Katie (Luther was 42); had made bed only about once a year
Tabletalk
loss of children (include a 14-year-old daughter)
1524: Erasmus on the will; Luther's response in 1525 (maybe most famous thing he wrote)
Ch. 9: A Church Is Born
Luther had musical skills; said music was second only to theology in importance to Christians and the church
introduced congregational singing (which he understood as both celebratory and educational)
comments on music [see here]; godly kings paid singers
Zwingli: no instruments (NT doesn't have any)
other conflicts with Zwingli (Christ's presence in the Lord's Supper); 3-day meeting in October 1529 (no compromise)
January 1530: Melanchthon and the Augsburg Diet/Confession (Charles V); became foundation for later creeds and confessions, not to mention the Lutheran church; Augsburg Confession was the first attempt to consolidate Reformation doctrine
Large and Small Catechisms
1534–35: Anabaptists and the Münster Rebellion
Tabletalk: a Reformation book of proverbs
1530s: Galatians lectures (3 years)—Paul's clearest teaching of the gospel
Wittenberg: ordination powers given to the theological faculty (if no bishop)
qualifications for pastors include rhetorical skill
Ch. 10:
poor health
1545: harsh tone toward the pope (donkey, flatulence)
wrote against the Jews (said positive things about Jews earlier in his life); we do look back with a post-Holocaust lens (and comments are regarding theological issues), but his words are still inexcusable (Bainton and Selvaggio wish that Luther had died before he wrote these words); lent unintentional support for Nazi Antisemitism
Luther (and Bucer and Melanchthon) looked the other way regarding the bigamy of Philip of Hesse (an important ally)
Feb. 8, 1546: died in early morning (chest pain)
1546–47: Charles V and the Schmalkaldic War
1648: Westminster Standards
Epilogue: An Assessment of the Life of Luther
1492: Columbus arrived in Americas when Luther was 9
in a way, Luther was successful in reforming Rome: Council of Trent (e.g., indulgences addressed; see here for an earlier pope's condemnation of papal infallibility)
unintended consequences: theological diversity, democracy/individualism)
not intended to be a hagiography
November 4, 2017
I thought this was a good, mostly balanced book, although there were a few places here and there where the author definitely made an effort to appeal to modern sensibility. I appreciated the inclusion of the social and political impact of the Reformation as well as the usual religious impact. I also liked the few lengthy excerpts from writings of the time that the author quoted. The last chapter indicates that Luther was basically no longer an admirable person during the final years of his life - the author's criticism of Luther during that period wasn't tempered at all.
Kudos to George W. Sarris, the reader for the christianaudio version that I used.
Kudos to George W. Sarris, the reader for the christianaudio version that I used.
November 24, 2017
For what it was (a brief biography of Martin Luther's life and teaching) I thought it was excellent. It points out Luther's triumphs and failings and is concise, clear, and engaging all the way through.
February 17, 2018
A very interesting sketch of Luther, in which I learned some new things, such as the connections and influence his mother had on him.
In some cases, however, the author recounts events in Luther's life or convictions he held to in ways that conflict with other sources. One example is the Leipzig Debate, where Selvaggio claims that Luther from the outset embraced Eck's accusations of being a "Hussite," but other sources say Luther initially denied the accusation until they took a break and he investigated Huss' writings.
Another case is the German Peasants' War, where Selvaggio claims that Luther had regrets about siding with the nobles, but mainly because of their brutality. In principle he supposedly still sided with them because Luther detested chaos and disorder. Other sources, however, suggest that Luther's regret ran deeper than that.
The final case is the worst. Selvaggio claims that Luther was anti-Semitic because of the nasty things he wrote against Jews towards the end of his life. But this is false, for Luther was not a racist; he was anti-Jewish because they rejected Christ. The Nazis used Luther to justify their racism, but Luther despised them because of their doctrine, not their race. This in no way justifies the atrocities that Luther wrote against the Jews, but it's unfortunate that Selvaggio, who clearly admires Luther, promotes one of the worst mischaracterizations of Luther. James Swan's blog is an excellent resource that addresses these issues and much more:
http://beggarsallreformation.blogspot...
Another great source for all things Lutheran by confessional Lutherans is http://issuesetc.org/.
Despite these problems, and the fact that Selvaggio seems to overgeneralize or overemphasize certain aspects of Luther, which create historical imbalances, he nevertheless does a good and overall fair sketch of the German Reformer. A worthwhile read.
In some cases, however, the author recounts events in Luther's life or convictions he held to in ways that conflict with other sources. One example is the Leipzig Debate, where Selvaggio claims that Luther from the outset embraced Eck's accusations of being a "Hussite," but other sources say Luther initially denied the accusation until they took a break and he investigated Huss' writings.
Another case is the German Peasants' War, where Selvaggio claims that Luther had regrets about siding with the nobles, but mainly because of their brutality. In principle he supposedly still sided with them because Luther detested chaos and disorder. Other sources, however, suggest that Luther's regret ran deeper than that.
The final case is the worst. Selvaggio claims that Luther was anti-Semitic because of the nasty things he wrote against Jews towards the end of his life. But this is false, for Luther was not a racist; he was anti-Jewish because they rejected Christ. The Nazis used Luther to justify their racism, but Luther despised them because of their doctrine, not their race. This in no way justifies the atrocities that Luther wrote against the Jews, but it's unfortunate that Selvaggio, who clearly admires Luther, promotes one of the worst mischaracterizations of Luther. James Swan's blog is an excellent resource that addresses these issues and much more:
http://beggarsallreformation.blogspot...
Another great source for all things Lutheran by confessional Lutherans is http://issuesetc.org/.
Despite these problems, and the fact that Selvaggio seems to overgeneralize or overemphasize certain aspects of Luther, which create historical imbalances, he nevertheless does a good and overall fair sketch of the German Reformer. A worthwhile read.
December 24, 2017
This book was very good, and I highly recommend it.
It's an easy read. And while not getting too far into the weeds, Selvaggio still gives a great amount of detail surrounding the times, culture, politics, family, and person of the man whom God used to change the world on October 31, 1517 - Martin Luther.
And, sadly, while most of my knowledge of Luther (until reading this book) stopped at that point (and the accompanying Diet of Worms), Selvaggio goes past the famous 95 Theses and shows how much more Luther changed the world (in God's providential use of him).
To give a great summary, in which Selvaggio reiterates both the good and bad that Martin did, I can only quote a little from his ending chapter:
When we assess Luther's success at his mission we can herald him a victor in bringing massive change to the Christian world. ... But he also unleashed a level of democracy and individualism on the church from which it has not yet recovered. (p. 150).
There were real flaws to this man...He mishandled the Peasants' War in a manner that contributed to the atrocities committed by the nobles against the peasants. Many of his comments regarding Jews are wholly indefensible and anti-Semitic. His handling of Philip of Hesse's bigamy comes across like a shady backroom deal... His treatment of Erasmus was, at times, entirely out of bounds and reveals that Luther could be quite small and petty at times... (p. 152).
But finally:
He was a charismatic leader with a down-to-earth personality that drew other men to himself and his cause. ...
He worked tirelessly and endlessly and was profoundly prolific. His works span a broad spectrum, from his quips in Table Talk to in-depth biblical commentaries, such as his work on Galatians. He wrote and contributed to essays and treatises, catechisms and confessions, liturgical forms and hymns. He translated the Old and New Testaments into German. He was a professor and a preacher. He was indefatigable. Despite his many ailments, both physical and mental, he pressed on with a vigor that has been paralleled by very few in the annals of history. Martin Luther was wholly given to his cause. ...
He was a faithful husband and father. He opened his home to other people. He cared for his students and had a series of profound friendships. I think anyone who studies Luther's life and personality would wish that they had a chance to sit at his table and share a meal with him. Simply put, he was a man whose company was both pleasant and entertaining. (pp. 151-152)
Yes, Luther certainly had flaws - as we all do (except for Christ). But his love for the gospel and for the authority of the Word of God outshined all of them in a single ray. And reading about that in this book was sobering and inspiring.
I highly recommend this work!
It's an easy read. And while not getting too far into the weeds, Selvaggio still gives a great amount of detail surrounding the times, culture, politics, family, and person of the man whom God used to change the world on October 31, 1517 - Martin Luther.
And, sadly, while most of my knowledge of Luther (until reading this book) stopped at that point (and the accompanying Diet of Worms), Selvaggio goes past the famous 95 Theses and shows how much more Luther changed the world (in God's providential use of him).
To give a great summary, in which Selvaggio reiterates both the good and bad that Martin did, I can only quote a little from his ending chapter:
When we assess Luther's success at his mission we can herald him a victor in bringing massive change to the Christian world. ... But he also unleashed a level of democracy and individualism on the church from which it has not yet recovered. (p. 150).
There were real flaws to this man...He mishandled the Peasants' War in a manner that contributed to the atrocities committed by the nobles against the peasants. Many of his comments regarding Jews are wholly indefensible and anti-Semitic. His handling of Philip of Hesse's bigamy comes across like a shady backroom deal... His treatment of Erasmus was, at times, entirely out of bounds and reveals that Luther could be quite small and petty at times... (p. 152).
But finally:
He was a charismatic leader with a down-to-earth personality that drew other men to himself and his cause. ...
He worked tirelessly and endlessly and was profoundly prolific. His works span a broad spectrum, from his quips in Table Talk to in-depth biblical commentaries, such as his work on Galatians. He wrote and contributed to essays and treatises, catechisms and confessions, liturgical forms and hymns. He translated the Old and New Testaments into German. He was a professor and a preacher. He was indefatigable. Despite his many ailments, both physical and mental, he pressed on with a vigor that has been paralleled by very few in the annals of history. Martin Luther was wholly given to his cause. ...
He was a faithful husband and father. He opened his home to other people. He cared for his students and had a series of profound friendships. I think anyone who studies Luther's life and personality would wish that they had a chance to sit at his table and share a meal with him. Simply put, he was a man whose company was both pleasant and entertaining. (pp. 151-152)
Yes, Luther certainly had flaws - as we all do (except for Christ). But his love for the gospel and for the authority of the Word of God outshined all of them in a single ray. And reading about that in this book was sobering and inspiring.
I highly recommend this work!
February 26, 2018
Great introduction to Luther. Well balanced - giving valid and needed critique of the great reformer, in addition to appreciating how greatly the Lord used him to recover the gospel. Selvaggio also included interesting information which I either hadn't heard before, or had forgotten. For instance some background on his parents and his relationship with them, and his influence on society at large (e.g. public education, democracy, individualism), which still have significance today.
Highly recommend this short, excellent read.
Highly recommend this short, excellent read.
November 3, 2017
Praise be to God for His sovereignty leading Martin Luther to read The Bible, to translate it into German, and to bring it to the masses. There is one head of the church and that is Jesus Christ. Mankind is offered salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone, through Scripture alone.
Praise be to God for using this flawed and sinful man to bring about the Protestant Reformation.
Praise be to God for using this flawed and sinful man to bring about the Protestant Reformation.
November 19, 2017
This is a very brief overview of Luther's life. It is accurate but I'm not sure who it is designed for as it is so short. Okay but I'd recommend 2-3 introductory works over this one.
(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})
(Note: I'm stingy with stars. For me 2 stars means a good book. 3 = Very good; 4 = Outstanding {only about 5% of the books I read merit this}; 5 = All time favorites {one of these may come along every 400-500 books})
January 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun, addictive read that covered a little of material without getting boring. The book doesn't go exceedingly deep into Luther's life, it's really a wide lense that looks at the big moments of his life. It was highly accessible and fun to read. I recommend it to a beginner to Martin Luther's life. For those looking for deeper study of Luther's life, look elsewhere.
March 7, 2025
A good, basic introduction to the life, work, and impact of Martin Luther (1483-1546). It is an easy read for those seeking an understanding of the importance of this originator of the Protestant Reformation (1517). Its target group is apparently the lay reader since it is not heavily noted (though I wished it was more so at times) or drenched in theological terminology. With the audience in mind, I awarded it five-stars.
December 13, 2017
RATING: 3.875 STARS
This is another good biography of a giant in faith that addresses both flaws and successes and provide insight into the making of someone who has become something of a legend.
This is another good biography of a giant in faith that addresses both flaws and successes and provide insight into the making of someone who has become something of a legend.
May 2, 2018
Great little introductory bio on Luther. Very informative and theological. I love that his flaws were pointed out and spoken of with sobriety and honesty. There was honor for this honorable reformer while not idolizing him and covering his flaws. I greatly enjoyed this book.
June 7, 2023
A good introductory look into the life of Martin Luther that is both sympathetic to the ultimate cause of Luther but also does service to the many flaws of Luther. Very balanced but also very inspiring.
November 4, 2017
An excellent sketch of the great man.
November 11, 2017
A very interesting and informative overview of the life of Luther. Probably wouldn't be a good read for someone who already knows a lot about Luther, but I enjoyed it.
November 17, 2017
Nice balanced overview of Luther. Look forward to read more details in metaxas’ book
December 23, 2017
Thought it was a good outline.
January 14, 2018
Good summary of Luther life. Especially honest about his flaws. And since good source texts on how the Papacy reacted to him.
February 28, 2018
Listened to the audio book. A good biography of Martin Luther's life and ministry and influence. Concise, clearly structured, interesting, but nothing too special.
April 3, 2018
Good overview of Luther's life and his impact on others since his 95 theses.
June 14, 2018
As the title says this was a good "sketch" of Martin's life. Short, easy read, and very informative.
October 20, 2020
A short, but very effective introduction that deftly handles the positive and negative aspects of his life.
July 16, 2022
Great little primer of Martin Luther's life. It doesn't shy from his foibles and the darkness of his mind towards the end of his life.
May 20, 2023
Short and sweet. Easy to read, and great summary
May 15, 2020
A interesting, fast-paced sketch that gives a good insight into the life of Martin Luther outlining the major events in his early life, and postulating his thinking behind his actions. We see the time he lived in, and the difficulties he faced which helps the reader to understand the context that all this happened in.
Some interesting ideas, thoughts and final assessment of the life of Luther, who undoubtedly changed not only the religious world, but the world as a whole.
Some interesting ideas, thoughts and final assessment of the life of Luther, who undoubtedly changed not only the religious world, but the world as a whole.
June 17, 2022
This is a short biography of the life of Martin Luther, the father of the Reformation. I knew much of his life but still found it fascinating to hear more about his early life and how that had influenced him and his later position in the church as the Reformation was getting ready to change the world. There is so much more in here than just the 95 theses. I listened on audiobook; it was a quick listen which gives better insight into the Protestant movement, of which I am a partaker. 3/5 stars
March 28, 2018
A good introductory biography of Luther. Limited hagiography, a variety of opinions are recognised on controversial issues, appropriately honest about Luther's weaknesses. I listened to this on a very long car trip, so the finer details may have escaped me -- but it did help pass the day much more quickly!
April 22, 2017
Informative, short. Some chapters are more interesting than others. Does try to show Martin Luther as the man he was, a strong reformer, but he certainly had his faults (reflected in the final chapter, "The Latter Years"). This is good for a quick(-ish) rundown on Luther.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews