Fortress Press Luther Studies Collection (12 vols.)

by Martin Luther; Christine Helmer; Eric W. Gritsch; James A. Nestingen

and

9 more

Publisher:

Fortress Press

, 1966–2010

Overview

Martin Luther remains one of the most prominent Christian thinkers and theologians of all time. His influence changed the course of Christendom and Western history in the sixteenth century, being the founder of the Protestant Reformation. In addition, Luther was a translator, a professor, a monk, a priest, and a husband and father. This collection from Augsburg Fortress contains accessible and academic works on a variety of topics relating to Luther’s life, impact, and theology. It also includes two of Luther’s works, On Christian Liberty: The Freedom of a Christian and An Open Letter to Pope Leo X, volumes that continue to inspire and inform Christians today.

There are several books outlining Luther’s theology in detail, providing a foundation for understanding the Protestant Reformation and how it applies to modern-day believers. These volumes are perfect for scholars or laity alike, being highly readable and informative. The Fortress Press Luther Studies Collection is essential for any study of the Christian faith in both a historical sense and for current thought on Christian living. Included are two comprehensive biographies of Luther, giving valuable context and background.

Key Features

• In-depth introduction to Luther and his influence
• Provides historical context and background
• Detailed analysis of Luther’s theology

Product Details

• Title: Fortress Press Luther Studies Collection
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Volumes: 12
• Pages: 3,820

A History of Lutheranism, 2nd ed.

• Author: Eric W. Gritsch
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2010
• Pages: 352

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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.

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

Eric W. Gritsch is Emeritus Professor of Church History at Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary, Pennsylvania.

The Global Luther: A Theologian for Modern Times

• Author: Christine Helmer
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 320

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

We live in something of a renaissance of Luther studies, especially of his social context, the striking variability of his theology, and the many varieties of Luther's that emerged as he reinvented himself and responded to crises in his life.

This exciting volume brings these new perspectives into a systematic framework. Here new understandings of Luther's popular image, his effect on the Peasants' War, his contribution to language and letters, his relations with Muslims and Jews—all lead to fresh interpretations of his personal psychology, social impact, and theological creativity. Especially fruitful are rethinking of such classical topics as his piety, his notion of justification, freedom in relation to modernity, theology of the cross, priesthood of all believers, and other key areas. This volume is destined to mark an important turning point in the appropriation of contemporary historical methods in Luther studies.

Christine Helmer is Professor of Religion at Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

A Reformation Reader

• Author: Denis R. Janz
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 472

Although deeply political, economic, and social, the European Reformations of the sixteenth century were at heart religious disputes over core Christian theological issues. Denis Janz’s A Reformation Reader is unabashed in its generous selection of key theological and related texts from five distinct Reformation sites. Along with plenty on the late-medieval background, the Lutheran, Calvinist, Radical, English, and Catholic Reformations are all well-represented here.

Janz’s selection of more than 100 carefully edited primary documents captures the energy and moment of that tumultuous time. The new edition incorporates a dozen readings by and about women in the Reformation, adds a new chapter on Thomas Müntzer and the Peasants' War, and adds illuminating graphics.

Denis R. Janz is Provost Distinguished Professor of the History of Christianity at Loyola University, New Orleans. He is the general editor of A People’s History of Christianity series and author of Luther and Late Medieval Thomism, Luther on Thomas Aquinas, and World Christianity and Marxism.

Martin Luther: A Life

• Author: James A. Nestingen
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 112

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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 is professor of Church History at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Luther and the Hungry Poor: Gathered Fragments

• Author: Samuel Torvend
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 192

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Samuel Torvend's original and important reconstruction of the emergence of Luther's and the early Reformation church's response to the poor gathers fragments from across Luther's early writings. He uncovers a striking counter-image to the usual portrait of a quietist orientation that left the world to deal with its own problems. Instead, he finds that Luther's concern emerged early in his career, centered around hunger and the hungry poor, and was deeply rooted in his encounter with the Bible and with the sacramental character of the local church.

...As a result of Torvend's research, we see what seems almost inarguably to have been there all along: the axiomatic alignment of justification with justice, the Eucharist with social ethics, the Word with works of love, and baptism with our bond to the human community.

—John Arthur Nunes, President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief

Samuel Torvend is Associate Professor of European Religious History at Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, WA). He has served as adjunct professor of Liturgical Studies in the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University and St. Mary's University (Winona, MN).

The Substance of Faith: Luther’s Doctrinal Theology for Today

• Authors: Dennis Bielfeldt, Paul R. Hinlicky, Mickey L. Mattox
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 222

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

p>This useful and insightful volume aims to illustrate, espouse, and renew the discipline of doctrinal theology, particularly as exemplified historically by Martin Luther and his theological reflection on the Trinity.

 

The authors, steeped both in Luther's works and in the doctrinal tradition, show how dogmatics in the Lutheran tradition entails a delicate juxtaposition of credal commitment, scriptural interpretation, and doctrinal elaboration. Their respective chapters retrieve surprising historical insights about Luther's own practice of doctrinal theology, the interaction of the credal and doctrinal dimensions with a nuanced hermeneutic of scripture, and the future shape of a doctrinal theology genuinely responsive to the gospel and the present age.

The Substance of the Faith addresses a topic that has become increasingly important in recent years within Luther research: Luther's essential reflections on Trinity and Christology. The authors' way of dealing with the core distinctions of these matters opens up their meaning to any interested reader and reveals their importance at the heart of Lutheranism and of Christianity itself.

—Anna Vind, Faculty of Theology, University of Copenhagen

Dennis Bielfeldt is Professor of Philosophy and Religion at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

Paul R. Hinlicky is Tice Professor of Lutheran Studies at Roanoke College in Virginia.

Mickey L. Mattox is Assistant Professor of Theology at Marquette University and a specialist in the theology of Martin Luther.

Martin Luther’s Theology: Its Historical and Systematic Development

• Author: Bernhard Lohse
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 1999
• Pages: 296

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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 was one of the top Luther scholars in the twentieth century, and this book is the rich harvest of a lifetime of Luther study. It is the best survey of Luther's theology in any language and supersedes all previous studies...

—Scott H. Hendrix, Princeton Theological Seminary

Bernhard Lohse (1928–1997) was a preeminent church historian and Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at the University of Hamburg.

The Theology of Martin Luther

• Author: Paul Althaus
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 1966
• Pages: 464

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This is a comprehensive and systematic survey of Martin Luther's entire thought by an internationally recognized authority in the field of Reformation research. The main theological questions which engaged the Reformer's attention are set forth in clear and simple fashion, along with a host of quotations from this own writings to illumine the presentation. Scholars and laypersons alike will appreciate the more than a thousand instances in which the author allows Luther to speak forcefully and directly for himself.

It is likely to remain a standard source book for American theologians for some time to come.

—Dialog

Paul Althaus was author of numerous books and articles, including Fact and Faith in the Kergma of Today and The Divine Command. He was Professor of Theology at the University of Erlangen, Germany.

Luther the Reformer: The Story of the Man and His Career

• Author: James M. Kittelson
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2003
• Pages: 336

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Engaging and authoritative, Kittleson's important and popular biography is here—represented with a new cover and new preface by the author. His single-volume biography has become a standard resource for those who wish to delve into the depths of the Reformer without drowning in a sea of scholarly concerns.

The best complete biography of Luther for our times.

—Lewis W. Spitz, Stanford University

James M. Kittleson is Professor of Church History and Director of the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation Reformation Research Program at Luther Seminary.

The Freedom of a Christian: Luther Study Edition

• Author: Martin Luther
• Editor: Mark D. Tranvik
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2008
• Pages: 112

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Perhaps no work of Martin Luther's so captures the revolutionary zeal and theological boldness of his vision as The Freedom of a Christian . Yet, it is not easily accessible today. Mark Tranvik's new translation of Luther's treatise brings alive the social, historical, and ecclesial context of Luther's treatise. This is the first of a set of student guides to key Reformation treatises by Martin Luther, concentrating on those most widely used in college settings. Features include:

• An informative introduction that lays out the context of Luther's writing
• A modern, student-friendly translation of the text of Luther's Letter to Pope Leo X and The Freedom of a Christian
• Frequent headings to guide the student's reading and comprehension
• Student-oriented notes to explain theological controversies and terms
• A glossary of key theological and ecclesial terms
• A map of Reformation Europe in the sixteenth century
• Ten black and white illustrations
• A short "For Further Reading" list

The Freedom of a Christian, Martin Luther's first programmatic presentation of his understnading of the justification of sinners by faith and their subsequent life of good works, offers the best access to Luther's understanding of what it means to be a human creature...

—Robert Kolb, Missions Professor of Systematic Theology, Concordia Seminary

Martin Luther stands as one of the most significant figures in Western history. His distinction as the father of the Protestant Reformation is augmented by his innovative use of new technology (the printing press), his translation of the Christian Bible into the vernacular, and his impact upon European society. Born in 1483 to middle-class parents in Saxony, eastern Germany, he became an Augustinian monk, a priest, a professor of biblical literature, a reformer, a husband and father. He died in 1546 after having witnessed the birth of a renewal movement that would result in a profound shift in faith, politics, and society. He has been both praised and vilified for what he preached and wrote. His thought continues to influence all Christians and to animate the movement that bears his name.

Mark D. Tranvik is Associate Professor of Religion at Augsburg College, Minneapolis, and director of the Lilly Endowment program on vocation there.

Martin Luther’s Catechisms: Forming the Faith

• Author: Timothy J. Wengert
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Publication Date: 2009
• Pages: 176

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

Reformation scholar Timothy Wengert has studied Luther's catechisms for the light they shed on the maturing Reformation faith but also for the fascinating lens they afford into the social world of Wittenberg in those years: children, clergy, education and publishing, marriage customs, devotion and prayer, and celebration of the Lord's Supper in this period, along with Luther's own hearty faith, are all illumined by these Western classics.

In this volume, which also includes the texts of the catechisms, Wengert follows the traditional catechism order to demonstrate the dynamic faith exhibited in the catechisms in their original context and ours. An ideal resource for college and seminary classes, as well as individual and group reading, this volume will be a valued vehicle for understanding Reformation faith for many years to come.

In the risky sea of spiritual self-help books, Wengert's retrieval and exposition of Luther's basic educational tools is a pedagogical lifeboat. It will steer readers to a reform of intergenerational Christian education.

—Eric W. Gritsch, Professor of Church History, Lutheran Theological Seminary

Timothy J. Wengert is Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor of Reformation History at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia.

On Christian Liberty

• Author: Martin Luther
• Translator: W. A. Lambert
• Publisher: Augsburg Fortress
• Pages: 112

Sample Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

This timeless little classic communicates essential teachings of Martin Luther. The subject of freedom is both timely and poignantly relevant today. For the Christian, this freedom is liberty from sin and death, and the opportunity to serve one's neighbor. Written in a simple style, On Christian Liberty conveys significant spiritual insight into the grace of God and liberating faith in Christ Jesus. It is counter-cultural and down-to-earth for today’s reader.

Martin Luther stands as one of the most significant figures in Western history. His distinction as the father of the Protestant Reformation is augmented by his innovative use of new technology (the printing press), his translation of the Christian Bible into the vernacular, and his impact upon European society. Born in 1483 to middle-class parents in Saxony, eastern Germany, he became an Augustinian monk, a priest, a professor of biblical literature, a reformer, a husband and father. He died in 1546 after having witnessed the birth of a renewal movement that would result in a profound shift in faith, politics, and society. He has been both praised and vilified for what he preached and wrote. His thought continues to influence all Christians and to animate the movement that bears his name.