'Life of Luther' Summary

Gustav Just's "Life of Luther" is a succinct and accessible biography of the renowned German theologian and reformer, Martin Luther. The book begins with a swift overview of church history leading up to Luther's time, offering context for his revolutionary ideas. It then focuses on Luther's life, tracing his journey from a devout Catholic monk to a figure who challenged the authority of the papacy and advocated for the supremacy of Scripture. Just explores Luther's key theological innovations, such as the doctrines of justification by faith and the priesthood of all believers. He describes Luther's role in the translation of the Bible into German and his influential writings, including the Ninety-Five Theses, which sparked the Reformation. The book also examines the impact of Luther's teachings on the development of Protestantism, highlighting the emergence of various denominations, such as Lutheranism. The final chapters delve into the legacy of the Reformation and the state of the church after Luther's death, showcasing the enduring influence of his ideas and the lasting impact of the movement he spearheaded.