Luther: Gospel, Law, and Reformation

By: Phillip Cary, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Phillip Cary

How did one man - a humble monk and Bible professor - spark a religious rebellion that changed the course of history? What made Martin Luther's theology so explosive in 16th-century Europe? How did this late-medieval man launch the Protestant Reformation and help create the modern world? And how should we think of him: hero or heretic, rebel or tormented soul? Find out the answer to these questions and more in this series of 24 engaging lectures.

You'll approach Martin Luther as someone who is so interesting to study precisely because he is so controversial. This is an opportunity to understand why Luther's thinking had such a volatile impact on his and our times and why his life continues to be a subject of vigorous religious and historical debate.

Professor Cary explores in depth Luther's subtle, challenging, and sometimes disturbing theology. After examining the genesis of Luther's great theological breakthrough - the doctrine of justification by faith alone - Professor Cary traces the full evolution of Luther's thought, from his early and frightening concept of justification through self-hatred to his later and equally unsettling notion of unfree will and predestination.

You will gain insight into this inspiring religious thinker who presented the Christian gospel as a message of comfort, joy, and freedom; an exceptional writer who did for German what Dante did for Italian; and a prominent theological and intellectual leader who appealed to ordinary Christians by sharing their most cherished values: marriage and everyday family values.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2004 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2004 The Great Courses

Great lecture

I’ve listened to many lectures, but this is probably one of the best ones I’ve heard so far

Cary does a great job

I've listened to all but one of Cary's lecture series on audible and I have greatly enjoyed them all. They've really opened my mind to new old ways of thinking about my faith.

Excellent

This course explains a lot of what were confusing theological issues. The professor's enthusiasm for his subject is obvious. Great job!

<br />Want to know about Martin Luther?

Very through, enthusiastic presenter who makes complex subjects understandable! This series generated much discussion and thought!

We really enjoyed it.

Fantastic

Very informative, interesting, and well presented. I had no trouble continuing to listen. Interesting from a religious and a historical perspective.

Thoughtful

You can't really learn about a subject from someone who disrespects it. This is particularly true about religion. Phillip Cary respects his subject without drawing over it or being uncritical. He has put a lot of thought into it and respectively presents it in a way I can understand. Compare to the course "How Jesus became God" This disrespects Christianity by the assumption that he was made God by his followers. Conclusion: Christianity is a fake religion. All Christian history classes have been very good because they are not presented by people that disrespect it. This course is the best of the bunch so far. More to go.

Great Lecture

I am in the process of becoming a member of the Lutheran Church and this course helped me to understand where Luther was coming from. Very informative and nicely presented.

good sketch of Luther but don't stop here

the narration was good and energetic. he presents a fair portrait of Luther's good and bad qualities. He contrasts Luther against other reformers in doctrine, time, and place. The professor's allergy to the doctrine of election and predestination inhibited his ability to represent it fairly. instead he presents a straw man. nevertheless it's still a very helpful listen in setting up the thumbnail sketch of Luther and the reformation, particularly in preparation for later reading.

Absolutely amazing!

As a Lutheran this was very educational. Its well delivered and explained. A very thought provoking set of lectures. Thank you!

Amazing Lectures!

Love Dr. Cary's lectures and highly recommend this lecture series. This series kept my focus and was very useful in my teaching and everyday life. Again, I highly recommend.