Martin Luther

by Carl E Koppenhaver

Excerpt from opening "The Turk was slashing his way up the valley of the Danube into the heart of Europe. God sat far off, not as a loving father but as a vengeful law-court judge inflicting all sorts of misery on mankind. In the forest lurked witches and demons seeking to drag the unwary to destruction. Into such a world threatened by the sword, ruled by fear, and plagued by superstition, Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany. Within such a world he became a man disdainful of bodily harm, convinced of God's love and mercy, endowed with abundant common sense-a Christian worthy of study and emulation. Although his station of birth was lowly, greatness sought him out, and the whole world has felt the impact of his life."

Genres: Biography, History

44 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2016

Reviews

[Ben Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a good short overview of Luther’s life hitting the highlights, major events and central theological differences between the Catholic Church and himself.

It was more like a good book report from school, but it did wet my appetite for more on Luther.

[SD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise short book about the dynamic life of Martin Luther. The short biography traces the development of Martin Luthers life and times. The book describes the pivotal role of Martin Luther in the formation of the Protestant Reformation. The story dispels the many myths about the man and the reformation. An important an essential reading for men & woman of Roman Catholic & Protestant denominations. A most courageous & inspirational man. Although he did not initially intend to change the world, in the end, he played a pivotal role in transforming Western Civilization.

[Jonathan Agarrado · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Unless convinced by the testimony of Scripture or right reason—for I trust neither the pope nor councils inasmuch as they have often erred and contradicted one another—I am bound in conscience, held captive by the Word of God in the Scriptures I have quoted. I neither can nor will recant anything, for it is neither right nor safe to act against conscience. God help me! Amen."

Wonderful short biography of Martin Luther. I found it worth reading, and did not regret it.

[Timothy Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since your majesty and your lordships desire a simple reply, I will answer without horns and without teeth. Unless I am convicted by scripture and plain reason--I do not accept the authority of popes and councils for they have contradicted each other--my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise, God help me. Amen."

[Patrick Porras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, thirty-thousand foot overview of Luther's life and impact. I'm always in awe at how productive he was when in hiding at Wartburg.

[Dillon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened by audiobook.

Decent biography of Martin Luther. Sad to see how things ended, but now I get a more historical perspective of why he did the things he did