Bøger af Martin Luther

On the Freedom of a Christian, sometimes also called A Treatise on Christian Liberty, was the third of Martin Luther's major reforming treatises of 1520, appearing after his Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation and the work Prelude on the Babylonian Captivity of the Church

About this Volume"Upon reflection, it is obvious that a preface by Martin Luther would be a much sought-after addition to any volume coming out of his wing of the Reformation. Fortunately, not only for the authors who merited one of these paratexts, but for modern scholars as well, the reformer did take on the mantle of a 'writer of prefaces.' The results, collected in volumes 59 and 60 of Luther's Works, are strongly recommended reading for Reformation scholars, especially for those interested in his thoughts, activities, and acquaintances as well as his reading list during the quarter century after the Diet of Worms (1521), as he and many for whom he wrote prefaces were engaged in building the Lutheran church." -Andrew Villalon, in Sixteenth Century Journal 44, no. 3 (2013): 849.Never before in English, this volume presents Luther's prefaces from 1520-32 for the writings of both colleagues and opponents. In Luther's day, the preface was sometimes the most important part of the book. The preface used the most beautiful of language to praise the author, his work, and his arguments-and to decry his opponents. Publishers knew that having Luther's preface brought instant fame to any book.Some of Luther's prefaces are short, witty, and incisive; others are as long as treatises, with thorough discussions of important theology. Satirical, earnest, tender, combative-in his prefaces Luther is all these things. Over and over, Luther calls his readers to remember why the Reformation was needed, and not to take it for granted.About the SeriesThe twenty planned new volumes are intended to reflect both modern and sixteenth-century interests and to expand the coverage of genres underrepresented in the existing volumes, such as Luther's sermons and disputations. The primary basis for the translation is the comprehensive Weimar edition.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.Luther treats Isaiah and his message as one still relevant for modern times, in fact for all time. The lesson is that God in Jesus Christ comes to the rescue of God's people in God's own good time, just as God did to the nation and government of the Jews in Isaiah's time. Meanwhile, God's people are to await God's help in complete confidence and not rely on self-help and on alliances with other men. The great danger then and now, however, lies in humankind's rebellion against God's way, for humankind is naturally impatient about waiting for God to do all things well. To God's invitation that humankind find strength "in quietness and in trust," humankind is always under temptation to respond: "No, we will speed upon horses!" Luther bids us learn from Isaiah that we are helped and protected by God as the people of Israel were and that we are also chastened like them when this is necessary.This volume contains lectures on Isaiah, chapters 1 through 39.

About this Volume"Upon reflection, it is obvious that a preface by Martin Luther would be a much sought-after addition to any volume coming out of his wing of the Reformation. Fortunately, not only for the authors who merited one of these paratexts, but for modern scholars as well, the reformer did take on the mantle of a 'writer of prefaces.' The results, collected in volumes 59 and 60 of Luther's Works, are strongly recommended reading for Reformation scholars, especially for those interested in his thoughts, activities, and acquaintances as well as his reading list during the quarter century after the Diet of Worms (1521), as he and many for whom he wrote prefaces were engaged in building the Lutheran church." -Andrew Villalon, in Sixteenth Century Journal 44, no. 3 (2013): 849. This volume contains Luther's prefaces to the works of others from 1532 to 1545. Amid the outpouring of print in the wake of the Reformation, Luther-especially in the prefaces to his own works-sometimes expressed the wish that his own books might disappear and give place to the Bible alone. In his prefaces to the works of others, however, Luther developed the opposite rhetorical strategy, hailing their books as faithful guides to the Scriptures or as edifices that, because of their confession of Christ, would "surely stand secure on the Rock upon which they are built."Although Luther complained of the many "useless, harmful books" that the Gospel's opponents flooded the world with, the multiplication of "good books" in print was a sign of God's present blessing on the church in restoring the light of the Gospel.Luther was pleased to encourage the works of faithful colleagues and friends. He wrote prefaces for many works that he declared superior to his own for their insights, style, and more refined approach. Luther was grateful for help in the shared work of Evangelical literary production in all its genres, in constructive work as well as in polemics. His prefaces give a broad survey of the Reformation's literature.About the SeriesThe twenty planned new volumes are intended to reflect both modern and sixteenth-century interests and to expand the coverage of genres underrepresented in the existing volumes, such as Luther's sermons and disputations. The primary basis for the translation is the comprehensive Weimar edition.

About this VolumeThis volume contains a selection of Luther's preaching between May 1531 and June 1539. In the first few years after the decisive Diet of Augsburg (1530) and the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, Luther grappled with how best to teach the doctrine of justification. Sermons dealing with Christian righteousness and the proper distinction of Law and Gospel show how Luther was gradually formulating this theme in a way that could be understood by Christians for generations to come. Luther's preaching during these years also addressed Baptism, ordination to the preaching office, marriage, Christ's return, the end of the world, the confession of the Trinity in the creeds, and the person of Christ. These topics reflect, in part, the circumstances of the Evangelical church in the decade after the Augsburg Confession-and its rejection by the papal church-as Luther and his colleagues sought to defend the Gospel and to define its consequences worked out in the life of the church and of individual Christians. The selection of sermons also reflects the interests of Luther's contemporaries and his students of the next generation: included here are most of the sermons from these years that found their way into the press during Luther's lifetime or posthumously before the end of the century.Luther's sermons in this volume make clear that Christian doctrine is not just for the classroom and textbook, but also and especially for the hearing, admonition, and consolation of all Christians.About the SeriesThe 28 planned volumes are intended to reflect both modern and sixteenth-century interests and to expand the coverage of genres underrepresented in the existing volumes of Luther's Works, such as Luther's sermons and disputations. The primary basis for the translation is the comprehensive Weimar edition.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.The year 1525 was perhaps one of the most tumultuous for Luther and his Reformation. It was the year of the break between Luther and a number of forces heretofore presumed to be on his side. The ultra-radical reformers alienated the lower classes from the Lutheran Reformation with the charge that Luther was only a halfway reformer. Luther responded with Against the Heavenly Prophets. In May Luther tried to avert a peasant uprising by an appeal both to the princes and to the peasants. But the Peasant Revolt broke out nevertheless, and Luther responded with Against the Robbing and Murdering Hordes of Peasants. 1525 was also the year when world famous scholar Erasmus declared himself against Luther, provoking him into responding with On the Bondage of the Will. This, plus the death of friends, his protector prince, and rumor of an assassin coming for Luther from Poland, was still not enough to prevent Luther from continuing his lectures on the minor prophets. This volume demonstrates Luther's perseverance and triumph against all odds. Luther's commentary on Zechariah points to Zechariah as "an outstanding model" in comforting people not to despair when the promises of Christ's kingdom do not seem to come true. This comfort is for all time.

About this VolumeThis volume contains a selection of Luther's preaching from between January 1539 and his death in 1546. Luther preached during these years with a special sense of urgency, seeking to make a final confession and testament of his teaching and to issue a public rejection of its opponents. He returned frequently to theological themes from the early years of his public career and to autobiographical reflection, working to convey the significance of the Reformation to a new generation ignorant of the circumstances that had called for reform. In these sermons, Luther emphasized catechesis in the heart of the Gospel as he understood it. Each selection bears witness to Luther's understanding that the Reformation is neither an accomplished, once-for-all event nor a step along the progressive way to the full purification of the Church. Instead, it is a continual struggle that is carried out through the preaching of the Law and the Gospel, to be renewed from generation to generation until the Last Day.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.These two lectures were given about a decade apart. The first in point of time, the Hebrews lectures, were delivered in the "Theses" year, 1517. Luther was finishing his lectures on Hebrews when he was summoned to Heidelberg to attend a convention of the German Augustinians order in April 1518. Presumably the Augustinians were to settle the controversy precipitated by Luther in the Ninety-five Theses, but instead of receiving a rebuke, Luther gained a new following at Heidelberg, especially among the younger theologians. The lectures on Titus and Philemon were given ten years later, when controversy and polemics had become a necessary part of Luther's daily routine. Then too, Luther's commentary shows him to be most deeply concerned about imitating his favorite apostle in preaching effectively and relevantly.

About this VolumeLuther's theological writings, perhaps without exception, arise from controversy or address it. For him there could be no building up of right teaching about God, humanity, the world, angels and devils without at the same time removing false teaching about all these things. Nowhere is this more clear than in the selection of short works included here. Spanning nearly his entire career as a reformer, this volume presents a variety of Luther's theological and polemical writings from 1522 to his last days in 1546.About the SeriesThoroughly researched and faithfully translated, the Luther's Works series consists of Martin Luther's Bible commentaries, sermons, prefaces, postils, disputations, and letters-translated and published in English for the first time.

About this VolumeThese lectures give eloquent evidence of Luther's determined espousal of the doctrine of justification by faith. In 1531, the Reformer's position on this cardinal doctrine was identical to what he had set forth in his earlier series of lectures. Even so, a sharp difference is discernible to a careful reader. The Luther of 1535 has at his command far greater simplicity and pungency of expression than one finds in the work he compiled in 1519. With the passing of the years the Reformer grew in knowledge and exegetical skill. It is not surprising, therefore, that the lectures he delivered at a later period in his life overshadow the former series in popularity as well as in significance. His Lectures on Galatians reflect this development. About the SeriesLuther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.Among the minor prophets, Jonah and Habakkuk were obviously of special significance for Martin Luther. The special treatment accorded these two is matched only in the case of one other of the minor prophets- Zechariah (Vol.20). In addition to the usual Latin lectures, Luther added popular versions in the manner of a German commentary, carefully written out expressly for printed publication. It is clear why Luther gave these prophets the chance to speak to a wider audience: Jonah and Habakkuk have a message for all of humankind. Of Jonah, Luther says, "[Jonah] teaches us not to despair of the fruit of the Gospel, no matter how badly it appears to be devoid of fruit and prophet. ... I am tempted to say that no apostle or prophet, not even Christ Himself, performed and accomplished with a single sermon the great things Jonah did." As for Habakkuk-- unfortunately confined to the dark since the time of the apostles-Luther reveals that he actually holds a central place in Paul's theology with the passage: "The righteous shall live by his faith." Luther here uncovers the jewels embedded in the traditions of these prophets, now contained in this volume for all to witness.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.The fifty-three sermons contained in this volume show that Luther was one of the most eloquent preachers since the days of Christ. The Reformer warns his hearers against perversions of Scripture. He speaks boldly and bluntly against sins rampant in his day and sins that will afflict mankind until the end of time. He wields the sword of the Spirit without fear and with telling effectiveness. His mastery of language is evident on every page. These sermons are models in every respect. When reading them in the translation my Martin H. Bertram, one can share the admiration and the edification that must have been felt by the men, women, and children who sat in the pews of the church in Wittenberg and listened intently while the mighty Luther addressed them.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.Even the modern reader of Luther's notes for these lectures on the Psalms can hardly escape noticing that the message, compared with that of other contemporary lectures, reveals greater individual involvement in the message being expounded. The prime emphasis is constantly on Christ as the center of the whole Psalter. The lecturer is dealing not with idle academic definitions but with the issues of life and salvation that affect the speaker and hearer directly and personally. This is where Luther's theology begins, and so these First Lectures on the Psalms are often called initia theologiae Lutheri.This second volume contains lectures on Psalms 76 through 126.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.The sermons contained in this volume show how masterfully Luther employed the cardinal principles of effective preaching. The Gospel According to St. John was close to Luther's heart. To him this book was a never-failing source of edification, wisdom, and strength. In his preface to the sermons he delivered on the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth chapters of Saint John's Gospel he states that he is "resolved to interpret these chapters for the common man, but especially to defend and preserve the true and pure doctrine of Christ and of the Christian faith against the vile mobs of the devil, whether present or future." The Reformer commends the words written by the evangelist "to pious Christians as their highest and most precious treasure and consolation."

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.Luther's expositions of the Sermon on the Mount and the Magnificat are masterpieces. Here Luther speaks about faith, about good works, about prayer, about Christian love, about the giving of alms, about war, about bearing witness to the Truth, about virtues and vices of many kinds. Above all, he stresses the everlasting love of Christ. Luther, always fearless and forthright, becomes bitingly eloquent when he talks about greed-greed as it came, and still comes, to the fore among men, women, and children in every walk of life, among many preachers as well as among many politicians. He writes: "This much is sure: as soon as a preacher or minister becomes greedy, he becomes useless, and his preaching becomes worthless. He has to be cautious; he does not dare to denounce anyone; he lets the donations come in till they stuff his mouth. ... Thus he neglects his duty to denounce the wicked." The Reformer also shows that Mary's canticle has an important message for everyone. His outstanding ability as a linguist and his deep understanding of the Word of God are evident on every page.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.When Luther was prevailed upon to write a preface to the projected complete edition of his Latin writings in 1545, about a year before his death, he took the opportunity to review the high points of his career-to show that he really never had the time and talent to produce literature worth preserving, that in publishing these works he was now merely yielding to his friends' argument that his works would be published in any case, if not with his cooperation, then possibly by men who had no real understanding of them. That was one thing. But in that preface Luther also implored the reader of his Latin writings "for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself to read those things judiciously, yes, with great commiseration". With Luther's lectures on the Epistle to the Romans he had a splendid opportunity to share with his students the great find of his life, "that place in Paul which was for me truly the gate of Paradise."

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.Luther did not agree with the view of many Bible scholars who considered the five books of Moses to be of small value. He saw them as a wellspring of all-important knowledge and understanding. Far from seeing the Book of Deuteronomy as a list of dry laws that had little to do with faith, Luther's Lectures on Deuteronomy was an effort to apply the Deuteronomic interpretation of the Mosaic Law and covenant to both the flesh and the spirit.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.In this volume Luther concludes his Lecture on Genesis (45-50). Joseph, whom God has made lord of all Egypt, reveals himself to his brothers. "I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt." Although he has the power to sentence them to severe punishment for their heinous crime, he gives them full forgiveness. Since his heart has been pining away for his aged father, he orders his brothers to return in haste to their homeland and to bring Jacob to Egypt. When Jacob hears the good news, his disconsolate spirit revives. Then he and his household- 70 souls in all-migrate to Egypt and settle in the land of Goshen.-"I can do no more," says Luther after he has completed his last lecture on the Book of Genesis. But could any theologian have done more?Although Luther was by no means full of physical vigor when he delivered these discourses, his mind was razor-sharp and constantly alert. His comprehensive acquaintance with Scripture is always in evidence.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.To achieve an adequate understanding of Luther's supreme importance in the field of theology, examining his biographies is not enough; the student of Luther must delve into his writings to observe this human being as a scholar, as a teacher, as a mighty and intrepid writer, as a humble Christian, and as a theologian who never toadies or cringes.The Lectures on Genesis, which were delivered in Latin, reveal an amazing familiarity with what may be called the genius of the language. Just as Luther was a master of his native German, so he acquired an all-embracing command of Latin. The editors of this series successfully permit the clarity, force, and pungency of Luther's language to radiate just as it does in Latin.Among the topics covered in this volume (Genesis 38-44) are: Judah and Tamar, whom many interpreters of Scripture neglect; Joseph, whom Potiphar had brought from the Ishmaelites and had brought down to Egypt, his interaction with Potiphar's wife, his imprisonment, and the interpretation of his dreams; and the provisions against the famine that had been foretold.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.The commentaries contained in this volume show conclusively that Luther achieved great things in the field of Biblical scholarship. Luther's language is simple and always to the point. He curries to no one's favor as he goes to the heart of the sixteen psalms expounded in this volume. His attention to the texts is "personal, devotional, political, exegetical, polemical- all at the same time," writes Jaroslav Pelikan. His commentaries contain many references and allusions to errors and false practices prevalent in his time, but after the lapse of more than four centuries the commentaries still have the quality of timelessness. Both clergy and laity will profit much-spiritually as well as intellectually-from Luther's incisive and straightforward words.This third volume contains lectures on selected Psalms.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.The Reformer's lectures on the First Book of Moses must be numbered among the great works in the field of exegetical writing. Unlike many scholars who have undertaken to expound Genesis, Luther is not afraid to adhere strictly to the letter of what Moses wrote. He does not indulge in wild allegories. He does not tear words or sentences out of their context. He knows that Genesis is the Word of God. Therefore he approaches the book with awe and reverence. His is a genuinely Christian commentary.This volume discusses Genesis 1-5, including the Creation, the Fall, the First Brothers, and the line of Adam.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.In this section of Luther's Lectures on Genesis (31-37) the subject is the mature child of God in the school of adversity.Says Luther, "We have seen the triumphs and glory of Jacob ... let us now also descend with him into hell and see his sadness and terror." Extensive treatment is given to a mounting series of afflictions for Jacob. In every affliction, Jacob "wrestles with great infirmity," and one trial may be termed "light" only by comparison with another.Luther is also interested in pointing out the antidote for all adversity-the comforting mercy of God. This comfort is in Jesus Christ; therefore Luther observes: "These emphatic words, which Moses scatters like jewels here and there in his writings, are wonderfully sweet, provided they are referred to Christ." Luther does not hesitate to draw comparisons: "These things are written to comfort us so that we may know that our afflictions and disasters are not extreme."

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.The Lectures on Genesis are remarkably extensive in their sweep and give conclusive proof of extraordinary diligence. Luther expounds Scripture in the light of Scripture. Furthermore, he couches his treatment of the Biblical text in a language of simplicity without compromising his forthright way of speaking that evidences profound learning.In the third volume of the American Edition of Luther's Works (Genesis 15-20) the great man of God deals with numerous happenings in the colorful and exciting career of Abraham, the father of the faithful. As he does so, he pays special attention to Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, Lot, and others. He is always at pains to point to the guiding hand of God. Human beings often sin-either willfully or out of the weakness of the flesh-but God is always present to shape the course of events and to reveal abiding love as well as unflinching justice.The great master holds his readers spellbound as he discourses on the Biblical narrative and applies Scriptural truths to what happened in the past, to what is taking place in his own time, and to what is bound to occur in the future.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.In this volume (Genesis 26-30) Luther comments trenchantly and in a God-fearing manner on a somewhat complicated concatenation of events in the life of the patriarch Jacob.Esau has sold his birthright to Jacob for a mess of pottage. Issac aims to bestow a deathbed blessing on Esau. But in cahoots with Rebecca, Jacob cleverly succeeds in tricking Issac into giving him his brother's blessing. The blessing is irrevocable. Jacob is sent away to the home of Laban, his uncle, "to take a wife from there." On the way Jacob has a dream that the Lord tells him he will be given the land that he is traveling on. When Jacob arrives on his uncle's land, he meets the beautiful Rachel and falls in love with her. Before Jacob can be wed, though, he must work for Laban for 7 years. After 7 years time, when Jacob was to then receive Rachel, Laban tricks him into serving for another 7 years to get Rachel.Luther discusses this involved account sagaciously and with due reverence. He does not deal in a flippant manner with matters pertaining to sex, for he realizes that the story of Jacob's adventures and deeds has not been set forth in vain. He never fails to bear in mind that all Scripture is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.In this volume, Luther ends his biography of Abraham (begun in Volume 2) and begins his focus on the later patriarchal narratives. Written, it is believed, during an outbreak of the plague in 1539, this section of the Genesis lectures (Genesis 21-25) includes Luther's moving study of the Abraham and Isaac story in which he compares Isaac's obedience to that of Christ.

Luther's Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther's works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.Luther's Lectures on Genesis is a great classic in the filed of theological literature. These discourses are clear, vigorous, pertinent, and comprehensive. They reveal vast learning as well as extraordinary ability to expound Scripture in a manner that is intelligible to everyone. Regarding style and method, Luther himself states that in his youth he was "enchanted" by allegories. Consequently, he sometimes resorts to allegorical interpretations when he expounds the Book of Genesis, though always in a manner that is "comfortable to the faith."Lectures on Genesis: Chapters 6-14 deal with the Flood, with Noah and his descendants, with the Tower of Babel, and with Abram and Lot up to the time of Abram's vision and the promise of the Seed.