The world has changed drastically in the five hundred years since the posting of the Ninety-Five Theses by Luther. Yet, in some ways, the more things have changed, the more they have stayed the same. One seemingly “new” phenomenon has been the rise of interest in and compassion for those who struggle with mental health issues. It is not widely known that Luther counseled people who today would be given a psychiatric diagnosis. Luther once advised a man who believed himself to be a rooster. How did Luther approach individuals with problems such as this? How did Luther speak and write to people with other more “normal” struggles? The book The Unholy Trinity: Martin Luther Against the Idol of Me, Myself, and I by Michael Lockwood seeks to answer Luther’s approach to spiritual diagnosis of souls.

In his own words, the author expresses his purpose for the book: “The main goal of this study has been to systematize Luther’s thoughts on idolatry so they can be used as a tool for spiritual diagnosis. This can help us to focus our application of Law and Gospel in our preaching, teaching, evangelism, and pastoral care.” Through careful analysis of quotes from Luther’s writings, Lockwood accomplishes his goal. Luther wrote many letters back and forth with friends and acquaintances in order to guide them in their spiritual struggles. In Luther’s mind, struggles often found their root in idolatry. For Luther, the idea of idolatry provided a structure from which to assess the problem, apply the Law and/or Gospel, and watch God work through His Word in the life of the struggling person he sought to help. The author notes three main features of idolatry: “misplaced fear, misplaced love, and misplaced trust.” Many of the people that sought Luther’s help were comforted in one way or another. Simply put, Luther was a master pastor, caring for souls in a compassionate, firm, and gracious manner. He was very effective in applying the needed Word from Scripture to counteract the idol that expressed itself in the struggler.

I highly recommend this resource, especially for those interested in sharpening their skills in providing soul care to others. The way Luther counseled five hundred years ago is just as relevant today. Lockwood comments, “Luther can help us to uncover multiple idols in the lives of people today. This can help us to proclaim Law and Gospel in such a way that it addresses the real issues in every dimension of people’s lives.”

Pr. Brett Boe
King of Glory Lutheran Church
Shakopee, MN

Order your copy here: Ambassador Publications Online Store