For the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, a new translation of Martin Luther's most famous works by leading Luther scholar and pastor William Russell
William Russell, pastor and scholar, serves Augustana Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he investigates the life and work of Martin Luther. With the Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and the M.Div. from Luther Seminary, Russell has authored/edited eight books and dozens of articles. A sought-after speaker, he has addressed audiences from Canada to Brazil, Malaysia to Puerto Rico, Oslo to Cape Town. He currently serves as president of the American Academy of Religion, Upper Midwest Region. Married to Ann Svennungsen, they have three grown children and two grandchildren.
“A very useful collection of essential Luther texts enhanced by
lively new translations and crisp introductions.”
—Scott Hendrix, Professor Emeritus of Reformation History,
Princeton Theological Seminary
“This edition of well-chosen writings of Martin Luther is to be
commended for demonstrating the richness of his thought and the
relevance of this thought for 21st century religious discourse.
Well known and not so well known writings are offered in an
excellent English translation.”
—Hans J. Hillerbrand, Professor Emeritus of Religion, Duke
University
“William Russell’s careful translation and poignant introduction
bring a freshness to these historic texts, which are often
referenced and too rarely read. At the 500th Anniversary of the
Reformation, this volume makes it easy to sit down, open the cover
and discover anew what mattered to Luther then and what matters to
many now.”
—Patricia Lull, Bishop of Saint Paul Area Synod, Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
“Judiciously selected writings of the Reformer, crisply translated
and chronologically presented by Luther scholar William R. Russell,
just in time for the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation.
Beginning with the document that ignited the Reformation, “The
Ninety-Five Theses” and concluding with a sermon from 1539, Russell
has provided a fine anthology of Luther’s literary legacy that will
lend itself for use in classrooms and congregations. It will also
serve a broader audience interested in gaining insights into the
Reformation as Russell provides primary texts as we are given a
sampling of polemical and pastoral writings (including sermons and
letters) as well as his theological and confessional documents.
Each entry is accompanied with a succinct but careful introduction
providing the reader with its historical context as well as a
thematic orientation to Luther’s thought.”
—John T. Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and
Missions, Concordia Theological Seminary
“Meet the classic Martin Luther—defiant in his challenge to
earthly authority, disarmingly simple in his faith, and utterly
pastoral in his love of the gospel. His words are
messages in a bottle from his fractured world to our own. Russell's
judicious selections and thoughtful introduction constitute a
personal invitation to the general reader. I can think of no better
way to encounter the Great Reformer—again.”
—Richard Lischer, Duke Divinity School
“The writings of Martin Luther comprise more than 100 massive
volumes. How to make him accessible, especially in the exciting
anniversary year of 2017? William Russell’s judicious selection of
shorter texts drawn from the full span of Luther’s almost-forty
year career as a pastor and theologian answers that question
compellingly. The collection provided here includes such standards
as the 95 Theses, the Heidelberg Disputation, and the Small
Catechism. Also included are such lesser known texts as the letter
to Philip Melanchthon in which Luther’s controversial advice to
“sin boldly” is found, a number of sermons and shorter tracts that
show Luther’s pastoral side, as well as a few texts that highlight
his swashbuckling style of theological argument. Freshly translated
here, these texts are also expertly introduced in an informal style
that eases the reader’s way into Luther’s world. The result is a
one-volume collection that will work exceptionally well for college
level courses, and which will be a treasure for interested readers
of all kinds as well. A fine work!”
—Mickey L. Mattox, Marquette University
“A wonderful choice (…) Russell beautifully and poignantly prefaces
the collection, introducing each writing with just enough
information to enable an informed read.”
—Episcopal Journal
“Russell’s translations are smooth and readable, making this volume
an excellent entry point for the Luther novice. He also provides a
useful glossary of names along with his own bibliographic notes and
a list of suggested further reading. This is an excellent
collection of writings by Martin Luther, freshly translated by a
leading scholar in the field.”
—Publishers Weekly
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