reformation information

Reformation Information!

Reformation Articles

contributions by Dr. Ron Fritze

Martin Luther and the Reformation are the subjects of thousands of books. Some are big, other are small. Some are simple, others are difficult. Some are good reads, others will try your patience. The following annotated bibliography is list of some of the best books about Luther and the Reformation.

Reformation Chronology:

European Events with Cross-Reference to the life and work of Martin Luther.

Reformation Glossary

Why Was There a Reformation: Myth and Reality?

The Reformation was about fixing and renewing the doctrine of the Church to its original purity. It was not a crusade to eradicate immorality and corruption. That was a by-product that was by no means completely successful.

What Are Indulgences?

From the third to the thirteenth century, the Catholic Church developed the doctrine of indulgences. This essay explains them and why Martin Luther wanted a debate on the doctrine of indulgences, and his response was the posting of the 95 Theses.

Luther's World

This essay helps to understand Martin Luther and his life as a reformer of the Church by explaining the world in which he lived

Luther's Parents

Martin Luther was the son of Hans and Margarethe Luther, born and baptized in Eisleben. His childhood and choice of vocation are the subject of this essay.

Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Luther was a seemingly average professor of the Bible, enthusiastic and intensely loyal to the Church. The idea of salvation by faith alone conflicted with the doctrine of indulgences, this essay explains how the abuse of indulgences first aroused Luther’s ire to where this humble and reluctant student of the Scriptures could not help but speak out.

Who Was Charles V?

This essay explains the role of Charles V, a ruler of great power thankfully not exercised with his treatment of Martin Luther, in the reformation of the Church.

A Unique Look at Luther

This essay highlights the book The Wit of Martin Luther by Eric W. Gritsch, which delves into Luther’s theological writings for examples of humor and wit. Luther maintained that due to God’s grace and the Gospel, Christians could and should laugh at the Devil. Not only could the one little word of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” fell the Devil, so could the laughter of the faithful.

The Road to the Reformation

The beginning of the Reformation was not a single event, it was a process that consisted of a series of many events. Each step moved the process in the direction of the Reformation but that result was not inevitable; it was contingent on circumstances. Below is presented those series of steps along the Road to the Reformation.

Step 1

The 95 Theses

Step 2

The Heidelberg Disputation

Step 3

Confronting Cardinal Cajetan at Augsburg

Step 4

The Leipzig Disputation of 1519

Step 5

1520: The Year of the Three Reformation Treatises

Step 6

1521: Luther at the Diet of Worms