Luther

by Heiko A. Oberman

Book Overview

"This remarkable study, combining learning, realism, and literary adroitness, brings us close to Luther. Above all, it conveys Luther's power: the intensity of his faith, the coherence of his thought,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385422784
• ISBN13: 9780385422789
• Release Date: February 1992
• Publisher: Image
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 0.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Luther presented in the late-medieval/early-modern context

In Heiko Oberman's Luther: Man between God and the Devil, the reader is introduced to Martin Luther, a man who is arguably one of the most important historical figures of the two preceding millennia. In the book, Oberman traces Luther's life from his birth (born November 10th, 1483) to his death (February 18th, 1546), and he ably sketches the cultural, religious, and political environment that surrounded this turbulent era of reformation and revival. While Oberman presents a lucid portrait of the great Wittenberg Reformer, his chief contention throughout the book is that Luther can only be understood in light of the late-medieval worldview that (among other things) took the insidious (and tangible) machinations of the Devil seriously. For Luther, Oberman argues, the Devil was a constant adversary, and Luther detected his influence in nearly every facet of life - from the great to the mundane. It is this late-medieval worldview that provides the crucial background information for properly understanding the complex persona of Martin Luther the monk, professor, reformer, husband, and father.The book begins by outlining the political and religious environment that preceded the decisive break between Luther and Rome. Politically, there was growing resentment by the German princes (and populace) toward what was perceived as Roman arrogance and world-hegemony. This antagonism towards Rome, coupled with an increasing nationalistic-patriotic fervor among Germans is especially evident in Luther's political manifesto, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, published in 1520. Oberman also demonstrates that from a religious perspective, the age preceding and extending into the era of reformation was one in which church reform was eagerly expected and sought after (particularly in and among the various monastic movements - a situation which proved to be a critical influence on the young monk Luther). The wealthy and powerful Church of Rome with its hierarchical structure found itself the object of increasing disdain among those who noted the striking contrast between the power and wealth of the Roman church and the meek and lowly Jesus. It was in this context of political and religious instability that Luther and his criticism of church praxis (particularly the scandal of indulgences) eventually grew into church-wide revolt and an ultimate break with the Roman See. Further, as a result of the Roman curial reaction to his challenges, Luther came to regard the Roman hierarchy (and eventually everyone who opposed him theologically) as inspired by the Devil. Against this backdrop, Oberman demonstrates that it is easy to understand how Luther could so vociferously oppose both church and state (i.e., the Emperor) - for Luther it was a confrontation between God and the Devil. Additionally, as Oberman traces Luther's development toward his great "reformation breakthrough," he notes the critical influence that Luther's hermeneutic played in

Great Work on Luther

Oberman arranges his biography more on a thematic basis than more traditional biographies, yet it is a great read and excellent work of scholarship. Oberman explores the deeply religious Luther who felt himself in a constant state of war with the Devil. Consequently, many of his actions take on new understandings in this light. Excellent work.

An admirable biography of an admirable man

Fluidly written, and most importantly true to its subject, Oberman's masterpiece portrays Luther as the man he really was - the man between God and the Devil. To not get the meaning of that phrase is to not get what Luther was about or who he was. In this powerful biography Oberman makes it impossible to make such a mistake. Oberman depicts the turmoil, the angst and the persecution that surrounded Luther both physically and spiritually. He describes his stubborn, fiery character to stand for the Gospel in the context of overwhelming peril. He beautifully describes this blessed man who saw the verse, "the just shall live by faith," as the gateway to paradise and the maxim, "Simul Peccator et Iustus" [simultaneously sinner and just] as the heart of the Christian faith. There are lots of biographies out there, but both the author and the subject of this work stand out. For me, it was not just some book to learn more about the historical events of the reformation, but in the course of reading Oberman's description of Luther's simple words, "Simul Peccator et Iustus" I found transforming grace. It can do the same for you.SOLI DEO GLORIA

don't let the picture scare you

this is one of the finest if not the finest biographies on the life of Martin Luther. it may well go down as the authentic biography for seminary students....oberman's thesis is that luther stood before God and the devil, waging a war for luther's soul....historically one cannot deny luther's depressions which often alienated friend and foe alike...depressions are oppressions of demonic activity but not possessions...this ongoing battle lead luther to find the only solace he could find in this life, the safety and surety of the cross which lead him to the theologia crucis (theology of the cross). while this book's scholarship is breathtaking, it is easy to read because luther's spiritual battles are too fascinating to be obscured. This book shows that luther often failed in his battle with the devil, but knew that the war had already been won on calvary and that is the joy for all christians. Luther's last written words, he lapsed from latin to german and said, "Wir send Bettlers. Das ist wahr." yes, brother martin, we are beggars, and that's the truth.

An excellent survey and interpretation of Luther's life

This was a nice, easy to follow survey of Luther's life. It covers his early years when his father worked in the factory and when he was being groomed and prepared to be a lwayer. It talks about the day he walked home during a fierce thunderstorm where he was so frightened, that he promised St Anne that he would become a monk. In fact, the entire book depicts Luther as constantly in a spiritual battle with the devil, and Obermann does a good and convincing job of highlighting Luther's battles with emperors, synods, colleagues and enemies. Near the end of the book, there is even a chapter on Luther's health problems, which included severe heart stress and kidney stones. The end of the book also contains a year by year chronological survey of some of the key moments of Luther's life, icluding his appearance before the Synod of Dort and the year he was hiding out at Wartburg Castle. A fascinating survey of a fascinating reformer.