A History of Lutheranism, 2nd ed.

by Eric W. Gritsch

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 2010

Overview

In a clear, non-technical way, this noted Reformation historian tells the story of how the nascent reforming and confessional movement sparked and led by Martin Luther survived its first battles with religious and political authorities to become institutionalized in its religious practices and teachings. Gritsch then traces the emergence of genuine consensus at the end of the sixteenth century, followed by the age of Lutheran Orthodoxy, the great Pietist reaction, Lutheranism’s growing diversification during the Industrial Revolution, its North American expansion, and its increasingly global and ecumenical ventures in the last century.

From Wittenberg to Tanzania, from Spalatin to Spener to Schmucker, Gritsch tells the story with clarity and verve. This new edition updates all the chapters with fresh research, adds a chapter on new global developments and issues, and adds a rich array of graphics and other teaching tools.

In the Logos edition of A History of Lutheranism, you get easy access to Scripture texts and to a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Hovering over Scripture references links you instantly to the verse you’re looking for, and with Passage Guides, Word Studies, and a wealth of other tools from Logos, you can delve into God’s Word like never before!

Key Features

• Preface by the author
• Examination of the first history of global Lutheranism
• Illustrations
• Bibliographical references and indexes

Contents

Top Highlights

“Luther began by calling for the demolition of three walls behind which the papacy had established its authority: the notion that there is a divinely instituted difference between clergy and laity; the claim that only the pope can interpret Scripture; and the assertion that only the pope can summon an ecumenical council and approve its actions.” (Page 24)

“The Inquisition became the basic instrument of identifying the enemies of the church—mainly heretics, Jews, and witches” (Page 5)

“Worship and education are for Luther the twin pillars of Christian life.” (Page 47)

“Eck argued that Christ had made Peter and his successors vicars of his power (according to Matt. 16:18). Luther countered with the argument that such an interpretation restricted the lordship of Christ, who had promised, ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age’ (Matt. 28:20). Luther made it quite clear that the real issue was the difference between the authority of Scripture and the authority of the Roman tradition, which interpreted Scripture in a particular way.” (Page 20)

“In 1054 c.e., after a millennium of unity, Christendom experienced a tragic schism between the Greek Christians in the East (later labeled ‘Eastern Orthodox’) and the Latin Christians in the West (known as ‘Roman Catholics’). Half a millennium later, in 1517 c.e., Martin Luther’s Ninety-five Theses against the abuse of Roman Catholic indulgences signaled a second schism, resulting in the formation of a variety of churches known as ‘Protestant.’” (Page 1)

Praise for the Print Edition

Eric Gritsch knows the core convictions of Lutheranism like few other scholars. This volume does a wonderful job of summarizing a complex story, reflecting the wisdom and learning of its author . . .

—Mark D. Tranvik, professor of religion, Augsburg College

Product Details

• Title: A History of Lutheranism
• Author: Eric W. Gritsch
• Edition: 2nd
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 352

About Eric W. Gritsch

Eric W. Gritsch (originally Erich Walter Gritsch, April 19, 1931, Neuhaus am Klausenbach) is an American Lutheran ecumenical theologian and Luther scholar.