Luther: Gospel, Law, and Reformation

Overview

Explore Luther’s theology and the Reformation after he posted his famous 95 Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, in 1517. 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? This series of 24 engaging lectures examines Luther’s impact on the Protestant Reformation, as well as his complex and often controversial personality.

Professor Cary delves into Luther’s challenging theology, tracing the evolution of his thought from his early views on justification through self-hatred to his later takes on unfree will and predestination. You’ll encounter insights into how Luther presented the Christian gospel as a message of comfort, joy, and freedom, while addressing the values important to ordinary Christians.

Course Lectures

1. Luther’s Gospel

Examine Luther’s view of the Gospel, focusing on how belief can change individuals.

Duration: 33 min

• The Medieval Church—Abuses and Reform

Discuss the clerical abuses prevalent during Luther’s time and their impact on religious authority.

Duration: 30 min

3. The Augustinian Paradigm of Spirituality

Explore the notion of an earthly pilgrimage leading to eternal happiness and the questions that plagued late medieval Christians.

Duration: 30 min

• Young Luther Against Himself

Analyze Luther’s early doctrine of justification and its terrifying implications for his spiritual journey.

Duration: 31 min

5. Hearing the Gospel

Discover Luther’s understanding of the divine promise of forgiveness and the transformational power of the Gospel.

Duration: 31 min

• Faith and Works

Understand Luther’s distinction between Law and Gospel and his response to the question of good works.

Duration: 30 min

• The Meaning of the Sacraments

Discuss Luther’s sacramental concept of the Word of God and its significance in his theological writings.

Duration: 31 min

• The Indulgence Controversy

Investigate the origins of the Reformation in the controversy over indulgences and Luther’s 95 Theses.

Duration: 30 min

9. The Reformation Goes Public

Learn about Luther’s program of reformation and its ties to the protection of German nobility.

Duration: 31 min

• The Captivity of the Sacraments

Examine Luther's critique of the Catholic sacramental system and his endorsement of certain sacraments.  

*Duration: 31 min*

11. Reformation in Wittenberg

Explore how Wittenberg became the center of the Reformation and its influence on Luther's personal life.  

*Duration: 31 min*

• The Work of the Reformer

Review Luther’s contributions to German culture through translations and hymn compositions.  

*Duration: 31 min*

13. Against the Spirit of Rebellion

Analyze Luther's opposition to spiritual rebellion, including his response to the Great Peasant War.  

*Duration: 30 min*

• Controversy Over the Lord’s Supper

Understand the differing views on the Eucharist between Luther and the Reformed tradition.  

*Duration: 31 min*

15. Controversy Over Infant Baptism

Discuss the disagreements about baptism practices between Luther and Radical reformers like the Anabaptists.  

*Duration: 31 min*

16. Grace and Justification

Explore Luther's doctrine of justification and its contrast to Catholic and Reformed theology.  

*Duration: 31 min*

• Luther and the Bible

Review Luther's emphasis on the literal interpretation of Scripture and critiques from contemporaries.  

*Duration: 31 min*

18. Luther and Erasmus

Delve into the controversial relationships and debates between Luther and the humanist Desiderius Erasmus.  

*Duration: 30 min*

19. Luther and Predestination

Discuss how Luther's views on grace evolved to include concepts of predestination.  

*Duration: 31 min*

20. Luther and Protestantism

Analyze how Luther's teachings position him as more "Catholic" than many Protestant reformers.  

*Duration: 31 min*

• Luther and Politics

Examine Luther's views on the relationship between church and state and their implications for governance.  

*Duration: 31 min*

22. Luther and His Enemies

Investigate Luther's fiery rhetoric toward opponents and the theological motivations behind it.  

*Duration: 31 min*

23. Luther and the Jews

Explore Luther's conflicting views on Judaism throughout his life and the evolution of his arguments.  

*Duration: 31 min*

24. Luther and Modernity

Reflect on how Luther's break with the pope initiated changes that led to modernity in Christian thought.  

*Duration: 31 min*