The Martin Luther Story is the fifteenth episode in The Torchlighters series produced by the Christian History Institute and The Voice of the Martyrs. This animated film spends nearly forty minutes portraying the life of Luther. This is a quick overview of Luther’s life from when he became a monk until his time in the Wartburg Castle translating the Bible into German.

The movie begins with the events which led Luther away from the study of law, to a monastery, and eventually into becoming a professor of the Scriptures in Wittenberg. As Luther studied the book of Romans, he grasped something which had previously caused him so much grief and sorrow. The righteousness of God is a gift given through faith in Christ. In the past, Luther had been deeply burdened by his lack of righteousness, but now he rejoices in Christ’s righteousness freely given to all who believe. The film makes clear that at the heart of his preaching and teaching Luther was pointing to the crucified and risen Christ.

Eventually, the nailing of the 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg and it’s quick printing and distribution cause many in Germany to rally behind the teaching of Luther. The actions of one little monk in Germany raise the concern of the Pope. This all culminates in the situation in Worms. At the Diet of Worms, Luther is asked to recant, and after being given time to sort through what he will say makes his famous “Here I stand” statement. He will not recant. The crowds rejoice at his steadfast confession. As Luther leaves he is taken captive and encouraged to write, specifically, to translate the Scriptures into German. As Luther translates, the animated recounting of Luther’s life ends, and a quick conclusion explains a few other items concerning Luther’s life.

The film was produced for children ages 8-12. As I watched this with my children (ages 1-12), they enjoyed the film, and it led them to ask a few questions. They asked about why Luther was talking in such a strange voice and why he looked different than the pictures of him they had seen. My daughters commented that they wanted to have Luther’s wife, Katherine Von Bora, in the film. Another comment I received was that it helped them understand why the Pope was upset with Luther during this time. As an introduction, this movie is well worth watching. It will give younger viewers a taste of Luther’s love for God’s Word and how God used him to bring about the Reformation.

Pr. Dennis Norby
Hope Lutheran Church
Enderlin, ND

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store 

Other Torchlighters DVDs are also available for purchase and can be borrowed from our Lending Library.