Luther for Armchair Theologians

by Steven D. Paulson

Book Overview

Martin Luther started a reformation movement that revolutionized Europe in the sixteenth century. His far-reaching reforms of theological understanding and church practices radically modified both church and society in Europe and beyond. Steven Paulson's discussion of Luther's thought, coupled with Ron Hill's illustrations, provides an engaging introduction to Luther's multifaceted self and the ideas that catapulted him to fame. Written by experts...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0664223818
• ISBN13: 9780664223816
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.1" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

A great introduction to Luther's theology

This is an excellent introduction to Luther's thought. It gives a brief introduction to his life in the begining, and then goes through his ideas systematically. The key ideas are presented such as law and gospel, justification, his view of scripture, and the Lord's Supper. Paulson also discusses Luther's view of free will, as defended in his excellent book, The Bondage of the Will. It is written in such a way that it is understandable to a layman, yet still profitable for the theologian. The drawings are humorous, yet some might seem offensive. I wish Paulson would have included a chapter devoted to Luther's view of baptism, because it is certainly central to his thought and to his view of justification. However, only so much can be accomplished in a short book. For an introduction to Luther, this is the best place to go. If you would like to read a more detailed book about Luther's thought, I would recommend The Theology of Martin Luther by Paul Althaus. And of course I would recommend reading Luther himself. Nothing compares to the real thing.

A grand exposition of the Gospel

If you need to hear God's unconditional yes, then this is the book for you. Paulson does an amazing job expositing Luther's main point in theology, Christ for sinners! This is one of my favorite books and outlines the radical truth of the Gospel.

Be patient.

This theology will change your faith life, but you must be patient and open to hearing about Christ's work in a way not normally spoken of in this "hyped on free will" American culture.

This is an Outstanding Book!

In 'Luther for Armchair Theologians," Dr. Stephen Paulson lays out the essentials of Martin Luther's thought in such a way that it is a joy to read! Paulson's words are expressive and concise, and his down to earth humor is perfectly complimented by the hilarious cartoons of Ron Hill, which are scattered throughout the book. "Luther for Armchair Theologians" is a must read for anyone who is curious about the life and message of Martin Luther, a man who stood firm, risking his life in order to proclaim what he believed. The radical Gospel message Luther preached is truly profound, and even today this Word continues to bring comfort to those who hear it.

Great Overview with Emphasis on Theologian not Armchair

It's been several years since I studied Luther's theology so I picked up this book as a primer. I thoroughly enjoyed the Aquinas book in the same series and was hoping for an equally light-hearted, accessible overview of Luther. I am not at all disappointed with this book. I found it to be quite good at getting inside Luther's head. Paulson could have written this book one of two ways. He could have portrayed Luther as a theologian whose thought is everywhere , showing readers how many of their own assumptions (e.g., justification by faith alone) can be traced back to Luther's revolutionary take on the apostle Paul and the Bible. Instead, Paulson takes a different approach. Paulson decides to show his readers what he belives is the heart of Luther's theology; a core that will surprise nearly everyone but the professional theologian. Paulson discusses the big Luther topics like Law & Gospel, but he does so while emphasizing what he believes are the the central, but forgotten themes of Luther...topics like people's lack of free will, the creative power of the Word, and that it is Scripture that interprets you (not the other way around). I loved this book, but I am concerned that it may not be as accessible as other books in this series. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who has a passion for theology, is planning to study theology, or wants to go back and refresh their understanding of Luther. The casual reader, I fear, may need to take this book slow...though the payoff is huge. I do not mean to say that to some this book is inaccessible...rather I want to warn people that the book may not be as easy to read as the fun pictures make it seem. This is a wonderful, complete portrait of Luther, one that does not gloss over things, and invites the reader to experience the Word in a way that is truly revolutionary. This book challenges common theological assumptions and brings Luther's down-to-earth theology into everyday life. Whether you end up agree with Luther or not, most readers will appreciate Luther's desire to be faithful to the Bible.