The Ninety-Five Theses and Other Writings [Paperback]

For the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, a new translation of Martin Luther's most famous works by leading Luther scholar and pastor William Russell

This volume contains selections from Martin Luther's most evocative and provocative writings, freshly translated, for the 21st century. These documents, which span the Reformer's literary career, point to the enduring and flexible character of his central ideas. As Luther's reform proposals emerged, they coalesced around some basic priorities, which he delivered to wide-ranging audiences--writing for children, preaching in congregations, formulating academic treatises, penning letters to family and friends, counter-punching critics, summarizing Biblical books, crafting confessions of faith, and more. This book demonstrates that range and provides entry points, for non-specialists and specialists alike, into the thought and life of the epoch-defining, fascinating, and controversial Martin Luther. With attention to the breadth of his literary output, it draws from his letters, sermons, popular writings, and formal theological works. This breadth allows readers to encounter Luther the man: the sinner and the saint, the public activist and the private counselor, the theologian and the pastor. These writings possess a practical, accessible arc, as Luther does not write only for specialists and church officials, but he applies his chief insights to the real-life issues that faced his rather wide variety of audiences.“A very useful collection of essential Luther texts enhanced by lively new translations and crisp introductions.”
—Scott Hendrix, Professor Emeritus of Reformation History, Princeton Theological Seminary 

“This edition of well-chosen writings of Martin Luther is to be commended for demonstrating the richness of his thought and the relevance of this thought for 21st century religious discourse. Well known and not so well known writings are offelƒL