Martin Luther (1483–1546) stands as one of the giant figures in history. His activities, writings, and legacy have had a huge effect on the western world. This Cambridge Companion provides an accessible introduction to Martin Luther for students of theology and history and for others interested in the life, work and thought of the first great Protestant reformer. The book contains eighteen chapters by an international array of major Luther scholars. Historians and theologians join here to present a full picture of Luther’s contexts, the major themes in his writings, and the ways in which his ideas spread and have continuing importance today. Each chapter serves as a guide to its topic and provides further reading for additional study. The Companion will assist those with little or no background in Luther studies, while teachers and Luther specialists will find this accessible volume an invaluable aid to their work.

• Provides a full picture of Luther, his theology and the spread of his thought • Addresses thoroughly the relevance of Lutheran thought today • Draws on the expertise of top scholars

Contents
Notes on contributors; Preface; Chronology; List of abbreviations; Part I. Luther’s Life and Context: 1. Luther’s life Albrecht Beutel; 2. Luther’s Wittenberg Helmar Junghans; Part II. Luther’s Work: 3. Luther’s writings Timothy F. Lull; 4. Luther as bible translator Eric W. Gritsch; 5. Luther as an interpreter of holy scripture Oswald Bayer; 6. Luther’s theology Markus Wriedt; 7. Luther’s moral theology Bernd Wannenwetsch; 8. Luther as preacher of the Word of God Fred W. Meuser; 9. Luther’s spiritual journey Jane E. Strohl; 10. Luther’s struggle with social-ethical issues Carter Lindberg; 11. Luther’s political encounters David M. Whitford; 12. Luther’s polemical controversies Mark U. Edwards Jr; Part III. After Luther: 13. Luther’s function in an age of confessionalization Robert Kolb; 14. The legacy of Martin Luther Hans J. Hillerbrand; 15. Approaching Luther James A. Nestingen; Part IV. Luther Today: 16. Luther and modern church history James M. Kittelson; 17. Luther’s contemporary theological significance Robert W. Jenson; 18. Luther in the worldwide church today Günther Gassmann; Select bibliography; Index.