The Theology of Martin Luther ─ A Critical Assessment

Does Martin Luther have anything to say to us today? Nearly five-hundred years after the beginning of the Reformation, Hans-Martin Barth explores that question in this comprehensive and critical evaluation of Luthers theology. Rich in its extent and in its many facets, Barths didactically well-planned work begins with clarifications about obsolete and outdated images of Luther that could obstruct access to the Reformerfor example, the question of the Peasants' War and Luther's attitude toward other religions and superstition. The second part covers the whole of Martin Luther's theology. Having divided Luthers theology into twelve sub-sections, Barth ends each one of these with an honest and frank assessment of what today can be salvaged and whats got to go. In the final section he gives his summation: an honestly critical appropriation of Luthers theology can still be existentially inspiring and globally relevant for the twenty-first century.