The Encyclopedia of Martin Luther and the Reformation ( EMLR) is a magisterial study of the life and work of Martin Luther and the movement and denomination founded by him. It is a unique study of the way in which one man was able to change the direction of Christian theology and history. The
Reformation was more than a theological revolution; it was also a restoration ofmany of the values and traditions of the early church. Luther thus played a critical part in the evolution of the Western or Catholic Christian Church as a multipolar rather than a monolithic organization.
The focus of these two volumes is primarily on the life, theology, and continuing reverberations of Martin Luther and secondarily on the Reformation. The very fine Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation (Oxford University Press, 1996, 4 vols.) covers the latter; our work provides a different perspective while at the same time covering various aspects of the Reformation, including its sociocultural ramifications in a number of countries, lands, and territories. But the Protestant Reformation was a much broader movement, encompassing many countries, denominations, and personalities.
Reformation was more than a theological revolution; it was also a restoration ofmany of the values and traditions of the early church. Luther thus played a critical part in the evolution of the Western or Catholic Christian Church as a multipolar rather than a monolithic organization.
The focus of these two volumes is primarily on the life, theology, and continuing reverberations of Martin Luther and secondarily on the Reformation. The very fine Oxford Encyclopedia of the Reformation (Oxford University Press, 1996, 4 vols.) covers the latter; our work provides a different perspective while at the same time covering various aspects of the Reformation, including its sociocultural ramifications in a number of countries, lands, and territories. But the Protestant Reformation was a much broader movement, encompassing many countries, denominations, and personalities.
The EMLR explores Luther’s contributions to theology, music, and sacraments; his influence on his contemporaries; his writings; and his character. Several features are scattered throughout the contents. Please check the series of 14 entries (in volume 2) that discuss “why the Reformation matters” to a range of constituents, such as Anglicans, the Orthodox Church, contemporary Germans, the Scandinavian Lutheran churches, and the religious history of the United States. Another highlight traces the effects of the Reformation on 39 countries, lands, or cities, for example, Italy, Wurttemberg, and Holstein. Some entries may surprise the casual reader—for example, Luther’s recitations on seemingly disparate items such as “beer,” “depression,” “humor,” and “nature.” Of course we pursue his strident supporters and cantankerous combatants, as expected. Above all, this product endeavors to treat the Christian Church—both the Roman Catholic and Protestant branches—with apposite respect and historical context as the story of this profound movement has unrolled and continues to reform itself.
Download Ebooks
No comments:
Post a Comment