This short book is a robust account of Martin Luther as a prophetic teacher of the whole church whose influence extends beyond the sixteenth century and the confines of the church that bears his name. Hans Schwarz condenses his considerable knowledge of Luther and Reformation research into a lively and accessible narrative of key themes in the reformer's theology and the author's suggestions for applications today. Beyond these traditional topics, Schwarz includes an engaging chapter on Luther's rejection of astrology and another on how Luther's theology is open to science.
Luther for Everyone: Who He Was and Why He Still Matters
Martin Luther is among those most influential and well-known people ever to live. But who was he and what did he want? What significance does he have for the world beyond the church? When these questions are posed, it becomes apparent that Martin Luther's theology, confession, and understanding of the world are little known outside of the Protestantism. Yet, Luther's numerous publications and teaching tenure at the University of Wittenberg extended far beyond Germany and far beyond Lutheranism.
His translation of the Bible led to a revolution in publishing, language, and media. He nurtured the sciences, promoted an education system for boys, girls, and even the poor. He decisively shaped our understanding, sharpened our social conscience, and even influenced the renewal of the Catholic Church. Luther, in short, is for everyone. In this book, renowned scholar and theologian, Hans Schwarz traces these many connections and influences between Luther's world and our own. The result is a compelling account of Luther that can instruct both contemporary Lutherans and the broader public in the life and legacy of one of the makers of the modern world.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781506498300
- eBook ISBN 9781506498317
- Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
- Pages 210
- Publication Date February 27, 2024
Endorsements
John T. Pless, assistant professor of pastoral ministry and missions, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana
With approachable erudition, Hans Schwarz shows how Martin Luther's theology impacts our culture in more ways than people may initially think. It behooves non-Lutherans and even secular people to know its basics. The author models how to appropriate Luther's wisdom for contemporary people: Schwarz's Luther engages with public concerns such as economic and social inequities as well as the increasing role of science in our lives. Much Luther scholarship is done in a bubble isolated from real-life concerns. Schwarz bursts this bubble.
Mark Mattes, department chair in theology, Grand View University, Des Moines, Iowa
Prof. Hans Schwarz has done an enormous favor to everyone, both Lutherans and non-Lutherans, with this extraordinarily clear introduction to what Martin Luther has done not just for Lutheran Christians but for all Christians. I would venture to claim that he has done this for those who stayed away from the Christian worldview. Karl Jaspers used to stress to his students the importance of "communication" rather than "interpretation" of texts or thinkers: Hans Schwarz has done exactly that with clear communication so that everyone can understand, and even be persuaded and convinced of, what Luther has achieved. Furthermore, everyone who reads this book will have a deeper understanding of the Christian culture and value orientation.
This is a remarkable achievement, worthy of being recognized with other notable Luther books (such as Heinz Schilling's recent Martin Luther: Rebel in an Age of Upheaval). Uncommonly entertaining, the book is peppered with acute observations and unexpected comparisons that clarify and enlighten Luther's positions. Required reading for serious students and laypersons looking for a clear historical and theological narrative of the legacy of Luther and the place of his legacy in the blurry world of religious pluralism. I strongly recommend this to everyone.
Dr. Young Ho Chun, professor emeritus of systematic theology, Saint Paul School of Theology