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Theologians on the Christian Life
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom
Martin Luther's historical significance can hardly be overstated. Known as the father of the Protestant Reformation, no single figure has had a greater impact on Western Christianity except perhaps Augustine. In Luther on the Christian Life, historian Carl Trueman introduces readers to the lively Reformer, taking them on a tour of his historical context, theological system, and approach to the Christian life. Whether exploring Luther's theology of protest, ever-present sense of humor, or misunderstood view of sanctification, this addition to Crossway's Theologians on the Christian Life series highlights the ways in which Luther's eventful life shaped his understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Ultimately, this book will help modern readers go deeper in their spiritual walk by learning from one of the great teachers of the faith.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2015
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About the author
Carl R. Trueman
95 books531 followersCarl R. Trueman (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is the Paul Woolley Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary and pastor of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Ambler, Pennsylvania. He was editor of Themelios for nine years, has authored or edited more than a dozen books, and has contributed to multiple publications including the Dictionary of Historical Theology and The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 20, 2016
This is now the third book I've read in the "Theologians on the Christian life" series by Crossway, edited by Justin Taylor and Stephen J. Nicholls. The author, Carl Trueman (apparently not related to the other Mr. Trueman, the jailor in John Bunyan's Holy War), is perhaps the Reformed/Presbyterian community's "resident Luther expert."
Though I will freely grant his importance as a Reformer and influence on Western Christianity and I respect him as "the father of Protestantism," for whatever reason I've rarely found myself excited to read a book by or about Martin Luther. But I have an inability to say no to books that call my name, so alas, here I go.
This book has a different flavor than the other two I've read. Certainly there is less of a popular feel to it, and it gets into more involved areas of theology and ecclesiology to an extent which I haven't seen in other books in this series. Trueman's command of his subject shines through a bit more brightly than Nicholls on Bonhoeffer or Ortlund on Edwards. Though Ortlund and Nicholls' books have some areas of strength comparatively speaking, Trueman generally handles his subject in a way that instills more confidence in the accuracy and evenness of the portrayal.
Trueman paints Luther skilfully and fairly. I especially appreciated Trueman's discussion of humor in the conclusionand also the section where he speaks about the misunderstanding of Luther's teaching on sanctification. I also found the discussion of "anfechtungen" to be surprisingly lucid.
I can't say that Trueman has "blown me away" with this book, either. On the negative side, I feel like he sort of got bogged down in discussing historical aspects of Luther's views and practices on liturgy and the sacraments. I'm not saying that these things aren't relevant. They clearly are. However, I feel like they sort of crowded out other aspects that may have been slightly underdeveloped. It seems that he was just sort of rushing to fit in vocation, marriage, children, etc.
That said, though, Trueman has delivered a solid presentation on what we can learn from Martin Luther on the Christian life. It is detailed, well-organized, conveys enthusiasm, interesting, and useful. What more can we ask for? It is a profitable read and well worth taking the time to work through.
Though I will freely grant his importance as a Reformer and influence on Western Christianity and I respect him as "the father of Protestantism," for whatever reason I've rarely found myself excited to read a book by or about Martin Luther. But I have an inability to say no to books that call my name, so alas, here I go.
This book has a different flavor than the other two I've read. Certainly there is less of a popular feel to it, and it gets into more involved areas of theology and ecclesiology to an extent which I haven't seen in other books in this series. Trueman's command of his subject shines through a bit more brightly than Nicholls on Bonhoeffer or Ortlund on Edwards. Though Ortlund and Nicholls' books have some areas of strength comparatively speaking, Trueman generally handles his subject in a way that instills more confidence in the accuracy and evenness of the portrayal.
Trueman paints Luther skilfully and fairly. I especially appreciated Trueman's discussion of humor in the conclusionand also the section where he speaks about the misunderstanding of Luther's teaching on sanctification. I also found the discussion of "anfechtungen" to be surprisingly lucid.
I can't say that Trueman has "blown me away" with this book, either. On the negative side, I feel like he sort of got bogged down in discussing historical aspects of Luther's views and practices on liturgy and the sacraments. I'm not saying that these things aren't relevant. They clearly are. However, I feel like they sort of crowded out other aspects that may have been slightly underdeveloped. It seems that he was just sort of rushing to fit in vocation, marriage, children, etc.
That said, though, Trueman has delivered a solid presentation on what we can learn from Martin Luther on the Christian life. It is detailed, well-organized, conveys enthusiasm, interesting, and useful. What more can we ask for? It is a profitable read and well worth taking the time to work through.
January 25, 2024
Just wonderful!
June 12, 2024
This books looks at what Luther wrote about practical Christian living. It gives enough biography to understand Luther and his times. It went into some historical things like late medieval linguistics which I found helped me understand the reformation and it's relationship to reason better. There's a big emphasis on how Luther was different from most contemporary evangelicals especially when it came to piety, ecclesiology, and sacramentology. Trueman doesn't hold back from discussing some of the controversial aspects of Luther including his view of the Jews and the advice to Phillip Hesse.
October 15, 2023
Luther on the Christian Life: Cross and Freedom by Carl R. Trueman was a delightful book. Dr. Trueman did a wonderful job at taking us into Luther’s mind. One of the main things that stuck out to me from Luther’s theological ideas, was how different he was from the modern evangelical, the way he viewed the objectivity of the word and sacraments in the life of the believer is something to recover for today. This work also confirmed to me one of Luther’s theological flaws, that is, his famous law and gospel paradigm. Although, the distinction is real and important, it should not be an interpretive system to read all of Scripture by. Luther was already seeing some repercussions of this paradigm being taught in his own day (I’m thinking of when he wrote his treatise against the antinomians), and the issues have continued through our day. I also really enjoyed learning about theological and practical views of marriage that he had through the lens of the Bible and through his marriage with Katherine. All in all this was an insightful work, once again, it must be said that if the reader is looking for a biography this is not your book. It reads as a summary of Luther’s theological out-workings throughout his life. I commend this!
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September 23, 2024Recommend by Adam Francisco on the Faith & Reason podcast.
November 12, 2021
Honestly, one of most challenging and awesome reads of the last few years. I've learned so much. By challenging, I really mean that it questioned conclusions that I had for a long time. I had and still have to reevaluate the assurance of some of my positions I've held for so long, and maybe even change my position. Only time will tell here.
We are beggars. This is true. (And the reformation is not all you think it is!)
We are beggars. This is true. (And the reformation is not all you think it is!)
May 13, 2015
One of my favorite authors writing about one of my first favorite subjects in church history. A spectacular addition to a great series!
October 16, 2021
Simply excellent! One of the best entries in this series.
September 13, 2025
Audiobook. I wanted a book on Martin’s Luther‘s life, but this is more about his theology. I learned he was a pretty funny guy.
The modern American Protestant often always praises Luther for being a figure of the reformation; however, he actually had a lot of views that would that are not held among evangelicals such as his views and beliefs about the sacraments.
This gave me a greater understanding of Catholicism (or rather the Lutheran denomination) and the sacraments as well as historical intentions behind various Catholic-ish things (e.g., Jesus on the Crucifix imagery).
The modern American Protestant often always praises Luther for being a figure of the reformation; however, he actually had a lot of views that would that are not held among evangelicals such as his views and beliefs about the sacraments.
This gave me a greater understanding of Catholicism (or rather the Lutheran denomination) and the sacraments as well as historical intentions behind various Catholic-ish things (e.g., Jesus on the Crucifix imagery).
February 7, 2025
What a fantastic book! Few people could have written such a clear and concise treatment of Luther on the Christian Life. Truman did it with immense insight, and deep sympathy for the great reformer. While not a biography, Luther comes alive in these pages. Perhaps best of all (especially for a book written by a modern reformed guy), Luther in this book is not forced into an evangelical box, but very much allowed to be himself.
Loved it.
Loved it.
May 30, 2017
Maybe the best biography I've ever read, and maybe the best book on the reformation I've read.
July 10, 2024
I am so amazed at how good this book was! This is my first time encountering Luther (although still not directly) and I feel like I received a very balanced and charitable perspective on the man. I don't know how Carl Trueman did it, but here is a modest, readable book on a man who has produced an enormous body of work and on various topics as well!
Trueman started in the introduction with a comment from his professor that everyone should challenge themselves to write a book on someone with whom they disagree with. Trueman is a Presbyterian and although he confesses he loves Luther, he has notable disagreements with him. He does not shy away from stating the glaring flaws in Luther's life (i.e. his anti-semitism), yet he is so gracious and loving in the way he writes about Luther that you come to understand what it might mean to see someone (and love someone) as a "sinner and a saint".
Not only is this a great book (I realized I have said little about Luther himself LOL!), but an excellent example of what it looks like to write about others with a Christian ethic of charity. (This is the same kind and charitable writing we see in Trueman's 2020 essential read The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self)
Trueman started in the introduction with a comment from his professor that everyone should challenge themselves to write a book on someone with whom they disagree with. Trueman is a Presbyterian and although he confesses he loves Luther, he has notable disagreements with him. He does not shy away from stating the glaring flaws in Luther's life (i.e. his anti-semitism), yet he is so gracious and loving in the way he writes about Luther that you come to understand what it might mean to see someone (and love someone) as a "sinner and a saint".
Not only is this a great book (I realized I have said little about Luther himself LOL!), but an excellent example of what it looks like to write about others with a Christian ethic of charity. (This is the same kind and charitable writing we see in Trueman's 2020 essential read The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self)
November 2, 2022
I always enjoy reading Trueman. I thought he did a great job at capturing Luther. I leave with a greater appreciation and understanding of the great reformer.
January 18, 2020
In similar accord to Bonhoeffer and Lewis, Luther is often marginalized by the appeal to a broader evangelical context than he would fit within during his own lifetime. Trueman, recognizing the weaknesses of this approach, argues for a more sensible reading in moving beyond the modernly-evangelicalized Luther by studying the real Luther; the systematic thinking, often bombastic, Christian man, in his own historical context (22).
The reason for moving beyond this one-dimensional study of Luther is painfully obvious: we can never be challenged with a shallow reading focusing only upon areas of agreement. In the scope of many other works on Luther, Trueman devotes time discussing Luther’s high sacramentology, his post-1525 writings, the historical/personal context shaping his theological advancements, and the distinction to being a “theologian of the cross” as opposed to a “theologian of glory.”
Trueman’s basic framework draws mainly from Table Talk publications (among other notable works) in the following structure. Chapter one describes Luther’s biographical life, particularly linking Luther’s early life experiences to his existential crises, leading to the dominating shift into a Law-Gospel theology. Beyond this, Trueman highlights specific events shaping Luther’s theology, for example: The Bondage of the Will being not only a response to Erasmus, but undermining the authority of the Papacy. The second and third chapters deal more extensively with Luther’s understanding of the “theologian of the cross,” and subsequently, the power of the Word preached. Thus, the true “theologian of the cross” will be dominated by the idea of the scripture’s supremacy and power to effectively change the hearts of hearers.
The fourth and fifth chapters respectively deal with Luther’s liturgical values and how the Word addresses individual souls. Thus, maturation in the Christian life is not simply one of rote memorization and catechesis, but a profoundly moral exercise intended to grip our affections for God by the knowledge of scripture. Chapter 6 draws out Luther’s sacramentology on the effectiveness and importance of baptism and the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Chapter seven draws upon Luther’s response to the “long-haul,” recognizing the Immanent Return of Christ was delayed beyond his expectations, thus forcing a structured response to Christian living in lieu of licentiousness and antinomian tendencies. Finally, in chapter 8, Trueman reveals Luther’s pastoral nature, specifically with the ordinary aspects of every day life and common struggles of believers.
Trueman fairly reveals Luther, warts and all, as a sinner justified in Christ, mastered by the ideals of being a “theologian of the cross.” This was evidenced in seemingly small ways, such as a tract written on prayer for a barber, yet ultimately, in his ability to effectively point to the cross as a source of perseverance through doubt, trial, the pain of death, and the common struggles of man. Personally, what resonated most deeply was the pastoral devotion Luther had for his congregants, sparing time for hospitality, developing catechisms for the maturation of their faith, and utilizing the cross as the means by which we grow to love God. For the clarity with which Trueman writes and this brief, yet illuminating work upon the life of Luther, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Crossway Books through the Beyond the Page book reviewer program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
Find other book reviews @ gilsongraybert.wordpress.com
The reason for moving beyond this one-dimensional study of Luther is painfully obvious: we can never be challenged with a shallow reading focusing only upon areas of agreement. In the scope of many other works on Luther, Trueman devotes time discussing Luther’s high sacramentology, his post-1525 writings, the historical/personal context shaping his theological advancements, and the distinction to being a “theologian of the cross” as opposed to a “theologian of glory.”
Trueman’s basic framework draws mainly from Table Talk publications (among other notable works) in the following structure. Chapter one describes Luther’s biographical life, particularly linking Luther’s early life experiences to his existential crises, leading to the dominating shift into a Law-Gospel theology. Beyond this, Trueman highlights specific events shaping Luther’s theology, for example: The Bondage of the Will being not only a response to Erasmus, but undermining the authority of the Papacy. The second and third chapters deal more extensively with Luther’s understanding of the “theologian of the cross,” and subsequently, the power of the Word preached. Thus, the true “theologian of the cross” will be dominated by the idea of the scripture’s supremacy and power to effectively change the hearts of hearers.
The fourth and fifth chapters respectively deal with Luther’s liturgical values and how the Word addresses individual souls. Thus, maturation in the Christian life is not simply one of rote memorization and catechesis, but a profoundly moral exercise intended to grip our affections for God by the knowledge of scripture. Chapter 6 draws out Luther’s sacramentology on the effectiveness and importance of baptism and the presence of Christ in the Lord’s Supper. Chapter seven draws upon Luther’s response to the “long-haul,” recognizing the Immanent Return of Christ was delayed beyond his expectations, thus forcing a structured response to Christian living in lieu of licentiousness and antinomian tendencies. Finally, in chapter 8, Trueman reveals Luther’s pastoral nature, specifically with the ordinary aspects of every day life and common struggles of believers.
Trueman fairly reveals Luther, warts and all, as a sinner justified in Christ, mastered by the ideals of being a “theologian of the cross.” This was evidenced in seemingly small ways, such as a tract written on prayer for a barber, yet ultimately, in his ability to effectively point to the cross as a source of perseverance through doubt, trial, the pain of death, and the common struggles of man. Personally, what resonated most deeply was the pastoral devotion Luther had for his congregants, sparing time for hospitality, developing catechisms for the maturation of their faith, and utilizing the cross as the means by which we grow to love God. For the clarity with which Trueman writes and this brief, yet illuminating work upon the life of Luther, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Crossway Books through the Beyond the Page book reviewer program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
Find other book reviews @ gilsongraybert.wordpress.com
February 19, 2025
A Presbyterian writing on the life and impact of a Lutheran (a Lutheran of Lutherans if you will) can quickly reduce itself to a diatribe on the differences between those worldviews. But, true to form, Carl Trueman really opens up the focus and goals that Luther had in his ministry. It is very easy to reduce Luther to his role as a monk seeking reformation from the Catholics, or his antics and choice of insults with those he disagreed with, or his often poor attempts at Scripture interpretation. To be fair, those are reasonable and important aspects in Luther’s life, but it misses Luther’s love for his fellow Christians, his avid love and defense of his wife and children, and his unquenchable flame for his Lord.
Luther endured much, not only from his fights with Tetzel or intramural debates with Calvin or Zwingli. But he encountered it from the Catholic Church who anathematized him for his teachings. Luther would always turn to scripture to fortify himself and his fellow believers. It was Psalm 46 which Luther based his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is our God” that he penned after a deep time of distress. We would do well to echo what Luther would proclaim in times of constraint and buffeting from the Devil when he called to his friends to “Come, let us sing the 46th psalm and let them do their worst.”
Luther endured much, not only from his fights with Tetzel or intramural debates with Calvin or Zwingli. But he encountered it from the Catholic Church who anathematized him for his teachings. Luther would always turn to scripture to fortify himself and his fellow believers. It was Psalm 46 which Luther based his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is our God” that he penned after a deep time of distress. We would do well to echo what Luther would proclaim in times of constraint and buffeting from the Devil when he called to his friends to “Come, let us sing the 46th psalm and let them do their worst.”
April 2, 2017
I loved this book. Trueman has created a work that is both substantial and accessible. As an academic, he has kindly done the hard work of descending the mine shaft of Luther's words and emerging back onto the surface - where most of us live - with a sack of precious ore only found deep underground.
But he then refines and applies and demonstrates that, although profound, Luther's writings and reflections have much to offer me in my doubting, my pride, my weakness, my self-reliance and 21st century individualism.
What could easily be met with a "Yeah. Got that." is stirred over a slow heat to let the aroma - and nutrition - of "Christ is enough" do it's life-saving, life-wide work. Trueman's recipe is historical, theological and sociological - a masterful combination that looses some brilliant heart-arrows from the life and writings of Luther into the heart of the reader.
The theologian of glory Vs the theologian of the cross comparison is observed, explained and applied brilliantly. Word and sacrament as the great summary of Christian ministry is likewise probed with practical implications for shepherd and flock alike. ("In the gospel, God doesn't find, he creates." Gold.) The chapter on life and death is potent, personal and powerful. Luther's family life - the death of his dear little Magdalene, the delight of his marriage to Katie - are full of moving - as well as amusing - authenticity, shaped so vitally by the gospel.
Carl Trueman is an author who loves to stir, raise hackles, touch nerves and provoke. His clear familiarity with and affection for Luther explains much of what flavours his work. But this never feels like fanboy nerdism. Luther's shortcomings, faults and the developing nature of his theology are not glossed over. Clearly the man had his faults.
But I love that ultimately what the life of Luther to offers me is a fresh call to look to our big God and His stunning work in saving for himself a people to know Him in Christ, together shaped and served by word and sacrament.
This book has a vital message for us as believers and disciples, for church members, pastors and teachers alike. I thank Carl Trueman for introducing me to the life and times and truths that shaped Luther and for using the reformer's remarkable walk of faith to help shape my own.
But he then refines and applies and demonstrates that, although profound, Luther's writings and reflections have much to offer me in my doubting, my pride, my weakness, my self-reliance and 21st century individualism.
What could easily be met with a "Yeah. Got that." is stirred over a slow heat to let the aroma - and nutrition - of "Christ is enough" do it's life-saving, life-wide work. Trueman's recipe is historical, theological and sociological - a masterful combination that looses some brilliant heart-arrows from the life and writings of Luther into the heart of the reader.
The theologian of glory Vs the theologian of the cross comparison is observed, explained and applied brilliantly. Word and sacrament as the great summary of Christian ministry is likewise probed with practical implications for shepherd and flock alike. ("In the gospel, God doesn't find, he creates." Gold.) The chapter on life and death is potent, personal and powerful. Luther's family life - the death of his dear little Magdalene, the delight of his marriage to Katie - are full of moving - as well as amusing - authenticity, shaped so vitally by the gospel.
Carl Trueman is an author who loves to stir, raise hackles, touch nerves and provoke. His clear familiarity with and affection for Luther explains much of what flavours his work. But this never feels like fanboy nerdism. Luther's shortcomings, faults and the developing nature of his theology are not glossed over. Clearly the man had his faults.
But I love that ultimately what the life of Luther to offers me is a fresh call to look to our big God and His stunning work in saving for himself a people to know Him in Christ, together shaped and served by word and sacrament.
This book has a vital message for us as believers and disciples, for church members, pastors and teachers alike. I thank Carl Trueman for introducing me to the life and times and truths that shaped Luther and for using the reformer's remarkable walk of faith to help shape my own.
January 19, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It is a great starter book to learning about the life of Martin Luther. It cuts to all of the most important moments in his life, giving you a great understanding of why Martin Luther is renowned as a pertinent historical figure, and that especially in the Christian church. As a follower of Jesus myself, by learning about Luther I felt convicted on many topics such as the importance of Scripture, baptism, penance, and communion in my life. Luther took these practices very seriously. In 2019, it is rare to find a church body, let alone an individual Christian, who takes these practices as serious as they should be taken as they were given by God to man for God's glory and certainly not our own, even if our own existed.
Amongst the conviction this book brings, be sure to expect convictions against Luther as well. He was a haughty individual. His frequent joking about beer and farts seem to be all in fun. However, there are things that you will learn about this man that will surely be off-putting, possibly a deal-breaker as a Christian influence. All the greater reason to pick this book up and find out who Luther was, how he contributed to the history of the church in the early 1500s, and how that changed the course of history for the Christian church, which in turn, even echoes into the very church you are a part of today. Enjoy!
Amongst the conviction this book brings, be sure to expect convictions against Luther as well. He was a haughty individual. His frequent joking about beer and farts seem to be all in fun. However, there are things that you will learn about this man that will surely be off-putting, possibly a deal-breaker as a Christian influence. All the greater reason to pick this book up and find out who Luther was, how he contributed to the history of the church in the early 1500s, and how that changed the course of history for the Christian church, which in turn, even echoes into the very church you are a part of today. Enjoy!
February 18, 2023
Enjoyable!
Carl Trueman's goal is clear: to lay out Luther's life events and then delve into his doctrines and beliefs. He dispels myths surrounding Luther by expanding the lens from Luther as an optimistic reformer in his early days to Luther being disillusioned in his later years with the non-immediate success of the Reformation. The result is a complex life with highs and lows.
Highs: Luther's emphatic stance that assurance of salvation is looking always at Christ and His work, not introspection of doubt when it arises. Being a follower of Christ extends to every aspect of life, not just on Sundays.
Lows: later in life, Luther became very antisemitic in his writings and teachings which later was used by Nazis in their propaganda. Terrible.
Definitely a helpful book to read before or after reading Luther's own writings to bring greater scope to his work.
Carl Trueman's goal is clear: to lay out Luther's life events and then delve into his doctrines and beliefs. He dispels myths surrounding Luther by expanding the lens from Luther as an optimistic reformer in his early days to Luther being disillusioned in his later years with the non-immediate success of the Reformation. The result is a complex life with highs and lows.
Highs: Luther's emphatic stance that assurance of salvation is looking always at Christ and His work, not introspection of doubt when it arises. Being a follower of Christ extends to every aspect of life, not just on Sundays.
Lows: later in life, Luther became very antisemitic in his writings and teachings which later was used by Nazis in their propaganda. Terrible.
Definitely a helpful book to read before or after reading Luther's own writings to bring greater scope to his work.
July 31, 2023
This is really great stuff. Trueman really knows his stuff. Particularly enjoyed looking at how Luther centres his theology around the cross. God has shown us who he is and what he is like at the cross and it subverts all human thinking and philosophy. The theologian or pastor or just average christian must always be focused on the objective ways that God has chosen to reveal himself in his Word (supremely through the cross and resurrection) and in the Sacrament. Luther's sometimes a bit wacky, sometimes a bit troubling, but always thought-provoking.
June 17, 2017
One of the things this book endeavors is to contrast Luther with contemporary evangelicalism. It is done in the interest of historical accuracy and proper Christian memory of the past, but also in the interests of contemporary evangelicals. Christian history is a great repository of wisdom, insight and warnings, but we have to get it right to obtain the benefits. Trueman's message about Luther is: accept no substitutes, they aren't worth it. It's a good book.
May 12, 2021
It’s hard for me not give 5 starts to anything Trueman writes. He is a leader in reformation thought and philosophical presentation. This Luther biography was easy to read, not only that it was entirely applicable to ministry. A change of pace to some biographies. Trueman did a great job focusing not only in the major highlights but also the theological formation that stood on the entirety of Luther’s life.
January 31, 2023
I continue to really enjoy this crossway series, but the books range in quality quite a bit depending on author. I am really glad I read this one and feel like I have a much better understand of Luther’s life, theology and ministry. The book spent a good amount of time seeking to help readers press past the current evangelical popular reconstruction of Luther and see him in a fuller sense. Would recommend to those who enjoy biography!
October 20, 2017
Excellent treatment of a remarkable life
While this volume isn’t intended to be a biography per se, it not only captures Luther’s vision of the Christian life but introduces the reader to Luther’s complicated and remarkable life.
While this volume isn’t intended to be a biography per se, it not only captures Luther’s vision of the Christian life but introduces the reader to Luther’s complicated and remarkable life.
January 22, 2019
Colourful character
This book brough the great reformed to life with colour and clarity. So many lessons for 21st century believers to help us to continue to walk according to the glory of God.
This book brough the great reformed to life with colour and clarity. So many lessons for 21st century believers to help us to continue to walk according to the glory of God.
January 7, 2024
A simple intro to Luther if you are looking for one: semi biographical, semi theological.
January 25, 2024
I finished this a week ago...just running behind on my reviews!
I found Trueman tough going in Strange New World, and he didn't let up here, so I probably didn't get as much out of this as I ought to have. I did agree with him that I'd rather be stuck on a desert island with Luther than with Calvin, but I'd trade them both for somebody with survival skills and a practical knowledge of boat building. I listened twice to the section on Anfechtungen. It's always nice to have a fat German name for one's own personal spiritual Balrog. No instant defeat thereof followed, but it is an encouragement even to have a respected voice acknowledge and understand the reality of existential dread as a fearsome foe.
Reader was good.
I found Trueman tough going in Strange New World, and he didn't let up here, so I probably didn't get as much out of this as I ought to have. I did agree with him that I'd rather be stuck on a desert island with Luther than with Calvin, but I'd trade them both for somebody with survival skills and a practical knowledge of boat building. I listened twice to the section on Anfechtungen. It's always nice to have a fat German name for one's own personal spiritual Balrog. No instant defeat thereof followed, but it is an encouragement even to have a respected voice acknowledge and understand the reality of existential dread as a fearsome foe.
Reader was good.
October 6, 2024
It's definitely worth a reread to understand the easily overlooked specifics and details. I loved reading it, though, and I hope I make the time to reread it soon.
February 11, 2018
A dense enough book, but packed with great insight and application. Really enjoyed it - especially the chapter on the theology of the Word preached
June 4, 2015
"And his emphasis on the objectivity of the action of God in Christ puts all things in perspective and exposes our lives outside of Christ for what they are, acts in a silly farce played out in the shadow of the beckoning grave."
A strong finish.
A strong finish.
February 7, 2017
As someone who didn't know much about the life and theology of Luther beyond they most basic facts I felt this book was a good introduction and primer. I'm interested in reading more books in this series and more of Luther because of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews