Most books about Martin Luther are either biographical or theological, but this book by Stephen J. Nichols is both. This book is “a marvelous mixture of biography, history, theology and anecdote” (Sinclair B. Ferguson, back cover).

Part 1 focuses on the history. Nichols maintains a historical perspective, rich in context, while mixing in the theological aspects that shape the history. He mentions the “anfechtungen,” or spiritual struggle that marked Luther’s early spiritual life. For Luther though, the anfechtungen led him to God’s Word and the saving Gospel therein. Nichols then weaves the reformation solas into the history of the next periods of Luther’s life. It is important to recognize that the Church was changing rapidly during Luther’s lifetime. But the socio-economic and political landscapes were changing just as rapidly, and Luther was at the center of it all. Despite his ongoing conflicts and the chaos around him, Luther pastored his church, preached multiple times every week, and lectured regularly. He found joy in his marriage, family, and in translating the Bible into the everyday language of the people.

Part 2 of Nichols’ book is called “Luther, the Reformer.” This part centers on Luther’s theology by giving an overview and by centering on several of Luther’s most important theological writings.

The last part of the book shifts from how Luther revolutionized theology to how he revolutionized the Church. Luther was a pastor every bit as much as he was a reformer or a theologian. The book points to the Small Catechism, his love for children, music, and his sermons as evidence of his care for and reformation of the Church.

I enjoyed reading this book. The book was not overly academic or in-depth, but it was a great overview of who Luther was and what he did. If you are pressed for time or only desiring to read one book about Martin Luther, this book should receive strong consideration. Martin Luther changed the world as much as about anyone since Jesus lived on earth, so it’s hard to boil down Luther to one or even several main thoughts. However, I was struck by the note about the portrait of Luther that close friend Lucas Cranach painted shortly after Luther’s death in 1546. “Cranach captured Luther’s entire life and purpose in this three-paneled painting” (19). Notice Luther preaching in one panel; the congregation featured on the opposite panel. However, the focus from both side panels was the middle panel—Christ on the cross. Martin Luther’s life summed up by a painting—his life was about pointing all to Christ.

Pr. Eric Rasmussen
Calvary Lutheran Church
Fergus Falls, MN

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