LUTHER AND HIS WORLD
By Graham Tomlin
Lion Books. 156 pages. £6.99
ISBN 978 0 745 955 889
This is a very good introduction to the life and thought of Martin Luther.
Graham Tomlin outlines the main events in the great Reformer’s colourful life. This is not a simple biography, however. Tomlin also traces the development of Luther’s thinking, from that of a traditional medieval scholastic theologian to his discovery that justification is by faith alone in Christ alone. This is a book, therefore, which helps us understand the theology which underpinned Luther’s achievements, not simply the more exciting events of his life.
Tomlin writes clearly and assumes little prior knowledge. Nevertheless, he does not try to dumb down — he explains the intellectual background to key aspects of medieval theology in Luther’s time and shows carefully how Luther moved gradually to a clear understanding of the Bible’s teaching on justification. The prevailing views on indulgences, which so exercised Luther, are explained clearly. Tomlin examines the effects the politics of Luther’s age had on his life and the political effects of Luther’s own writings. He looks at the exploits of some of the more radical figures active at the time and Luther’s response to them. Separate boxes in the text help explain key points of background clearly.
This is an excellent book for someone who wants to grasp the main elements of Martin Luther’s life and thought. The only disappointment is the author’s apparent failure to understand the continuing power today of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which he appears to view only in terms of how we see ourselves and others, rather than how God sees the believer. That apart, the book is highly recommended.
Robert Strivens,
Principal, London Theological Seminary
