Reading the Bible with Martin Luther - by Timothy J Wengert (Paperback)

About the Book

A prominent Reformation historian introduces the basic components of Luther's theology of the Bible and examines Luther's contributions to present-day biblical interpretation.

Book Synopsis

Prominent Reformation historian Timothy Wengert introduces the basic components of Martin Luther's theology of the Bible and examines Luther's contributions to present-day biblical interpretation. Wengert addresses key points of debate regarding Luther's approach to the Bible that have often been misunderstood, including biblical authority, the distinction between law and gospel, the theology of the cross, and biblical ethics. He argues that Luther, when rightly understood, offers much wisdom to Christians searching for fresh approaches to the interpretation of Scripture. This brief but comprehensive overview is filled with insights on Luther's theology and its significance for contemporary debates on the Bible, particularly the New Perspective on Paul.

From the Back Cover

"Wengert shows his mastery of Luther with this study of the Reformer's biblical interpretation. Here we read Scripture with Luther and move beyond fundamentalistic and liberal perspectives. We encounter fresh approaches to authority, method, interpretation, and the practice of scriptural interpretation with Luther's biblical ethics. This is a fine work."
--Donald K. McKim, editor of The Cambridge Companion to Martin Luther

"Wengert's remarkable skill as a pastoral theologian and theologian for pastors is evident as he applies Luther's insights on proclaiming the gospel to issues such as biblical authority, the domestication of texts by both fundamentalists and liberals, relating the Old Testament to the New, the 'New Perspective on Paul, ' biblical ethics, and the general modern penchant to try to understand rather than 'stand under' biblical texts. Required reading for preachers of all denominations!"
--Carter Lindberg, Boston University School of Theology

"Martin Luther's faith journey took him deep into the Scriptures, looking for God. Timothy Wengert lifts up Luther's most essential discoveries in that search and offers them to scholars and seekers alike as a guide to reading the Bible."
--Roy Riley, former bishop of the New Jersey Synod, ELCA

"Wengert's exposition of Luther is passionate, practical, and provocative--a marvelous exercise in theological and historical spring-cleaning. In the context of today's Protestant Christianity, Luther emerges as an iconoclast and a maverick likely to bring no easy comfort either to liberals or to conservatives. Not everyone will agree with every move Luther made, but everyone ought to ponder what Luther taught about reading the Bible. To that end, Wengert is an engaging and joyous guide."
--John L. Thompson, author of Reading the Bible with the Dead: What You Can Learn from the History of Exegesis That You Can't Learn from Exegesis Alone

"Wengert leads readers into Luther's study and directs their reading of Scripture through Luther's law/gospel hermeneutics, assessing from a specific, twenty-first-century North American perspective how the Reformer's Christ-centered delivery of the biblical message functions. Wengert challenges contemporary students of the Bible to find its authority and message by letting the text master them rather than through their own attempt to master God's Word."
--Robert Kolb, Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis, Missouri

About the Author

Timothy J. Wengert (PhD, Duke University) is Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor, Reformation History, at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. He has authored or edited twenty books, including The Book of Concord (2000 translation, coedited with Robert Kolb). He received the Melanchthon Prize from the city of Bretten, Germany (Melanchthon's birthplace), for contributions to the field of Reformation scholarship and has written over one hundred articles. He is also associate editor for the Lutheran Quarterly and has pastored churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin.