By Craig Harline
Oxford University Press, 2017. 300 pgs. Biography
BYU professor Harline's well-written biography of Martin Luther brings Luther to life for the reader. Scholarly, yet very readable and interesting, Harline mainly covers the years 1515 to 1522 and the controversy generated in Catholic Europe by the 95 theses. Harline helps the reader understand how Luther's preoccupation with his own personal salvation led to his understanding of justification by grace, ultimately leading him to write numerous books and theses. Though the sale of indulgences was already unpopular in many places, nonetheless, his ideas would place him in conflict with the religious and secular powers of his day. This book deserves to be high on the reading list for people who are staying abreast of the numerous new books published about Luther and the Reformation for the 500th anniversary in 2017 of the posting of the 95 theses. SH
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