My Conversations with Martin Luther

by Timothy F. Lull

What could a 16th-century German possibly have to say to us modern folk as we enter the 21st century? If that man is Martin Luther, a lot! In this richly imagined book, Timothy Lull presents a series of fictional conversations with Martin Luther, the great reformer. Originating from sites in California and Germany, these provocative conversations offer reflections on Luther's world and the world in which we live. Lull offers Luther's pithy observations on such timely topics as the family and sexuality, roles of men and women, enemies and friends, renewal in the church, politics and ecumenism, interpretation of the Bible, and the resistance of congregations to the gospel message. Finally, Luther has a few surprising bits of news about current activities in heaven! This is a delightfully entertaining book packed with wisdom and insight for today's Christian.

Genres: Religion, Theology

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 1999

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this little book.
It is my second or third re-read but I never included it in goodreads before.
Martin Luther was a very complicated man and wrote voluminously. And his works were largely preserved. Lull addresses that in this small volume.
I picked it up for Reformation 2024 because my life was in chaos and the short chapters seemed approachable.
I learned so much. It's a very accessible intro to Luther, Lutheranism, and the history of our church. This clever writing technique was intriguing - that evergreen question about interrogating historical figures with our current standards certainly was front and center. Also loved the chapter on Katherine Von Bora/Katie Luther and Luther commenting that they were not buried together.
5/5 would recommend to anyone with a beginning interest in Martin Luther.

I was very sad to learn that Dr. Pastor Lull died shortly after finishing this book.

[Kari McDowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super creative and imaginative work! Very healing in some ways to imagine Martin Luther, such a great man who I have a huge admiration for, being so humble and admitting his mistakes! I found it funny that Lull had Luther refuse to comment on most controversial historical details and a lot of the hot topics of today’s world - probably a good call! Obviously Lull comes from a more liberal theological stance than I do, and I’m not sure Luther would be as liberal as he paints him. But overall, this is a fantastic book!

[Carol Naille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little,funny book to begin 500 anniversary of the Reformation. Luther gives a humorous account of what heaven is like. ( you are not in charge of the universe!) Good food for thought about how to be a Christian then and now.

[June Ballinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witty imaginative snd entertaining …more than I would imagine Martin Luther to be

[Pam Fairfax · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for small group study.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

i learned some facts about luther's life in a strange format. if you were visited by the ghost of martin luther, would you ask him about his favorite memories of his hometown in germany and gossip about various religious/political figures of his time? apparently, yes you would. but useful for a chapter in the end detailing anthologies available of luther's actual writings.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun little book written by one of our time's greatest Luther scholars. It's a series of "conversations" that this creative author had with Martin Luther, about issues facing us now and happenings from his life time. Luther even talks about his "remedial bible study" in heaven with his earthly enemies! All based on Luther's writings, of course. Very fun and clever!

[Matthew Seegert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timothy Lull was so creative! Like the title says, the author has a conversation with Dr. Martin Luther. Is it real? Is it in his head? I love the way we writes about Luther as if he is having a conversation with him. It does more than just give new meaning to Luther's theological ideas, it gives insight into the personality of an amazing man who has been dead for 500 years.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting ready for Germany. This books tells of some fictional modern day conversations with Dr. Martin Luther. I needed more background information before I read it. There was a great excerpt from one of Luther's books explaining original sin and forgiveness that helped explain a lot to me.