Martin Luther: A Life tells the dramatic story of the renegade monk whose heroic personal struggle ignited a revolution and shook Christendom to its foundations.Through vivid anecdotes and lively historical descriptions, Martin Luther: A Life captures the turbulent times and historic events through which Luther lived as well as his profound vision of God. A fast-moving narrative, it shows how his stinging criticisms of the Christian church struck a deep and liberating chord in the German people and led to the momentous change we know as the Reformation.For all who wish to understand Luther the man, the rebel, and the visionary, James Nestingen's account also offers insight into Luther's momentous contributions to the Western world and his personal encounter with God, the Christian scriptures, and the relentless demands of his own conscience.
James A. Nestingen has taught Church History at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is a nationally recognized Luther scholar as well as a popular speaker and lecturer. Nestingen is the author of numerous books, including Martin Luther: A Life (2003) and Sources and Contexts of The Book of Concord (coeditor, 2001).
From Mansfeld to Monastery: Early Life Prostrate before God; Many Reputations; Early Years; Education and Family Business; A Great Dread; Monkery; Dr. Luther; Wittenberg Hunting and Hunted: Luther's Breakthrough Psalms, Epistles, and More Struggles; The God Who Raises the Dead; Renewal and Reform Igniting a Revolution: The Ninety-five Theses "When a Coin in the Coffer Rings . . ."; Fire Control; Theological Rabies; Luther and Melanchthon at Wittenberg Breaking Open the Word-and the Church Luther the Theologian; The Hammer Falls; The Diet of Worms; The Aftermath The Center Does Not Hold In the Region of the Birds; The Radicals; The Humanists; The Peasants' War Luther at Home: Refuge from Chaos Lord Katie Renewal and Reform: 1527-1532More Trouble Within; Liturgical Renewal and Reform; The Catechisms; The Makings of an Interlude Augsburg and Beyond Ecumenical Politics: The Emperor's Efforts; The Augsburg Confession; Augsburg's Aftermath; Going Home; The Justifying Word Conflicts and Reconciliations Refining and Redefining the Reform; Reconciliations on the Upper Rhine; Toward a Council: Troubles on the Catholic Side; Politics: The Beginning of the End The End and the Beginning Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired; Some Vicious Attacks; Luther and the Jews; Calamity in the League; Luther's Death; The End of the Reformation
