E. Gordon Rupp (1910–1986)

This small book assumes more knowledge of both the biographical facts of Luther's life, and the intellectual and theological history concerning the Reformation than I possess. However, this is not a weakness in the book, and I am happy that I did learn that in fact there is a vast scholarly literature on these subjects, and got a glimpse of its depth.
The author sets forth an interesting thesis that Luther was the personification of the culmination of historical and intellectual forces that show more toppled the old order; and concomitantly notes that Luther was himself conscious that he was the means, and not the cause, of profound changes in the religious life of the common man. show less

Christianity

The foundation of Luther's theology have been laid long before the ninety-five these - in fact, that it was his theology which drove him into practical opposition not his practical opposition which drove him to formulate a theology." From the back of the book.

Erasmus: De Libero Arbitrio