Description
Book SynopsisOn October 31, 1517, the German Priest Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses challenging the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church on the door of the church in Wittenberg. It is widely held that this act triggered the large exodus from the Catholic Church, which became known as the Protestant Reformation. Lutheranism, one of the many Protestant movements that were spawned as a result of this revolution, is largely founded on the teachings and writings of Martin Luther. The A to Z of Lutheranism sheds light on the many and varied concerns of the church, from its earliest manifestations in the 16th century to recent decisions at the turn of the 20th century. This is accomplished through a chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, an appendix, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries on important persons, major events and institutions, the theology and ethics, significant concepts, and the broader social, cultural, and economic impact of Lutheranism and its worldwide expansion.
Trade ReviewThere is simply no other current source in English where this much information is packed into such a usable form. * Theologische Literaturzeitung *
The book commends itself as an important reference addition to any library—church, university, or seminary. * Lutheran Quarterly *
A scholar active in US and German Lutheran churches and in the World Council of Churches, Gassmann focuses mostly on the emergence of the denomination as part of the Reformation in the 16th century, but also considers aspects going back to the beginning of Christianity and forward to the present that have a different place in Lutheranism than in other Christian communions. Entries identify and explain ideas, movements, institutions, events, and people. The cross-referencing is extensive and thorough there are no entry-specific bibliographies, the general bibliography is arranged thematically. * Reference and Research Book News, May 2007 *
