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a balanced, realistic, and accurate bio of Martin Luther?
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Can anyone recommend a bio of MArtin Luther that gives a more balanced historical record of Martin Luther? I have severe conflict with this man due to his tyrannical, hate-filled directives and charges he spewed against the Jewish people (specifically On the Jews and Their Lies); contributing further to their suffering at the time and, centuries later, so influential was his writings about them that these writings influenced Hitler in his madness.
So I’m looking for a simple presentation that provides information on his contributions in confronting the abuses in the church, but at the same time, not lifting him up as some sort of saint, which he wasn’t.
Thanks,
Rachel
Heather,
It is information I have discovered over the past 10 years of being a part of the Messianic Jewish community, beginning with our Congregation’s membership class which has a class on the history of the church and it’s relationship with the Jews. Then I continues my own research. Info on Luther is a part of Jewish history readings, even upper elementary age children; I think it should be a part of the teachings on the history of the Christian church’s, too. It doesn’t do anyone anyone favors to sugar-coat the failings of influential people, especially when it comes to church and Jewish relations for the past 2000 years.
I, too, growing up a Methodist, was not aware of this history. Though, Deitrich Bonhoeffer was aware in his time of the tradition passed down from Luther and historians recognize Luther’s influence on Hitler (Hitler’s ideas weren’t new-just more efficient and worsened by Darwinistic rascism). So it’s from my personal study and subsequent readings from Jewish history texts for children that we do as a family as we do as apart of my children’s heritage history (being that they are Jewish).
Two links for you:
I should say, I don’t think he was much different than his contemporaries and, excepting a short time period of trying to convert them early on, he continued in the tradition of oppression and persecution passed down to him through the church over the centuries; I just would like a little more honesty in dealing with his other harmful contributions to history, in addition to his important Reformation activities.
I thought about posting a link to a copy of his actual text, but decided against it…couldn’t spread that garbage around. If you want to read it, it’s free online.
Rachel
Oh dear. I had no idea. Will definitely mention this to our girls when we study his life one day. On Reformation Day we read a story book on his life and the reformation. I had NO idea he said such things. Thanks for the info.
Tara
I am Lutheran, and yes, Luther was anti-Semetic, unfortunately. However, most people, Lutheran or otherwise, probably do not know this about him. Praise be to God that He is greater than our failing and will use broken vessels to His glory.
The Triumph of Truth by Jean Henri Merle d’Aubigne is good (I enjoyed it, anyways) – adult level reading though.
Rachel,
I forgot about these books the other day, but have you looked at both Thunderstorm in Church and the Man Who Laid the Egg? The first is about Martin Luther and the second about Erasmus. The first talks about ML and his contributions but also points out that he was moody, had a temper, etc… points out his human failings. The second though about E, mentions briefly here and there about the disagreement between the two and the ways they thought reform should occur – ML ultimately breaking away from the Catholic church and E via internal reform.
These are both written by a Protestant, so neither man is raised to “saintly” status, but also does point out what their contributions were. Basically they show that God uses man even with all of his faults and failings.
BTW, these are written for elementary aged children.
Pax,
~jacqleene
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