This is an upper-level introduction to the German Reformer Martin Luther, who by his thought and action started the Reformation movement. Martin Luther was one of the most influential and important figures of the second millennium. His break with Rome and the development of separate Evangelical churches affected not just the religious life of Europe but also social and political landscapes as well. More books have been written about Luther than nearly any other historical figure. Despite all these books, Luther remains an enigmatic figure. This book proposes to examine a number of key moments in Luther's life and fundamental theological positions that remain perplexing to most students. This book will also present an introduction to the primary sources available to a student and important secondary works that ought to be consulted. Continuum's Guides for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging - or indeed downright bewildering. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to grasp, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material.

Author Biography

David Whitford is Associate Professor of the History of Christianity at United Theological Seminary, Ohio, USA. He is the author of Tyranny and Resistance: The Lutheran Tradition and the Magdeburg Confession (2001); Reformation and Early Modern Europe: A Guide to Research, (ed., 2007) as well as numerous articles on Reformation Europe. He is the associate editor of The Sixteenth Century Journal.