Frederick Nohl

Don't be fooled by the cover. This is a biography of Martin Luther, first published in 1962. When the movie came out, CPH republished the book, illustrating it with a number of stills from the film--including the front cover picture where Dr. Luther looks like he's going to hit you with a big honkin' Bible. (Maybe they were thinking that it was a good way to illustrate what the Reformation did to European Christianity.) I wonder if it was an attempt to capitalize on the film to sell more show more books or if the book was meant to push the film. Anyway, I suppose it doesn't matter. This book is better than the movie, but not as good as Here I Stand which is a Luther biography for an older audience. This covers all the high points of Luther's life, but the writing seemed a bit flat. Many of the other biographies that we've had to read for school are much more enjoyable to read. I guess Sonlight curriculum just raises one's standards. Still, even if Luther is mere waiting room material, it does do its job and tell the story of this influential man.
--J. show less

He writes: Martin is a great man. Remember that you will not be looking at a god, but at a man of God. Not a perfect man, but at an imperfect man, one who knew his own weaknesses and sins only too well. Not at a man who depended on himself, but at one who believed that through Christ he could do all things. As you look, may you also learn.

Luther had on goal: peace with God. He discovered the Gospel in the Word of God. He took his stand on that Word, defying the highest authorities in the church and state. In so doing, he started the oldest continuing evangelical movement in history. This is his story.

“Author Frederick Nohl tells how Luther grew up to live the adventuresome, often dangerous life of a man of God. He became one of those great men whom to know is to gain something unusually worthwhile. Martin Luther still lives on today, for his thoughts and words and actions have helped to make our modern world what it is.”