This definitive analysis of the theology of Martin Luther surveys its development during the crises of Luther's life, then offers a systematic survey by topics. Containing a wealth of quotations from less-known writings by Luther and written in a way that will interest both scholar and novice, Lohse's magisterial volume is the first to evaluate Luther's theology in both ways. Lohse's historical analysis takes up Luther's early exegetical works and then his debates with traditions important to him in the context of the various controversies leading up to his dispute with the Antinomians. The systematic treatment shows how the meaning of ancient Christian doctrines took their place within the central teaching of justification by faith.
Bernhard Lohse (1928-1997) was a preeminent church historian and Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at the University of Hamburg. He is author of A Short History of Christian Doctrine (1978) and Martin Luther (1986), both from Fortress Press.
Foreword Translator-Editor's Note Part One: Introduction: Preliminary Considerations and Presuppositions Relative to a Description of Luther's Theology Criteria for Describing Luther's Theology The Situation in the Church around 1500 The Theological Situation around 1500, Especially in Erfurt and Wittenberg Luther's Personal Development The Uniqueness of Luther's Theology Part Two: Luther's Theology in Its Historical Development Basic Theological Ideas in Luther's Marginal Notes on Augustine and Peter Lombard (1509/1510) Early Reformation Theology in the First Psalms Lecture (1513-1515) The Structure of Reformation Theology in the Period of Pauline Exegesis (1515-1518) The Reformation Discovery Luther's Attack on Indulgences (1517/1518) Luther's Dispute with Cajetan over Justification, Faith, and Church Authority Luther's Debate with Eck on the Authority of Pope and Council (1519) Luther's Dispute with the Sacramental Teaching of His Time (1519/1520) Luther's Dispute with the Monastic Ideal (520/1521) Luther's Dispute with the Wittenberg Reformers Luther's Dispute with Radical Tendencies to "Right" and "Left": The Distinction between the Two Kingdoms and the Two Governments Luther's Dispute with Erasmus Luther's Dispute with Zwingli: The Lord's Supper Controversy Luther's Dispute with the Antinomians Part Three: Luther's Theology in Its Systematic Context Sola scriptura Reason and Faith The View of God Christology Spiritus Creator Humanity as Creature of God Sin Justification Law and Gospel The Church Office and Ordination Baptism The Lord's Supper The Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms Eschatology Excursus: Luther's Attitude toward the Jews Bibliography Index of Names Index of Subjects
