The Ninety-Five Theses and Other Writings

Timed to the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther posting his 95 theses on the door of Wittenberg Castle Church, Russell—a Luther scholar, instructor in religion at Augsburg College, and Lutheran pastor—has translated an array of self-contained and accessible Luther texts that stand well on their own. He includes Luther’s theses as well as his later declaration of Protestant principles, known as the Smalcald Articles. These two pieces demonstrate the development of Lutheran Protestantism during the course of Luther’s own life. Russell has also included Luther’s famous letter to Philipp Melanchthon with advice on sin and repentance, the full cycle of sermons that Luther delivered in the Lenten season of 1522, and Luther’s “Small Catechism,” a collection of advice and teaching points for pastors who did not have the luxury of much free time for study. Russell’s translations are smooth and readable, making this volume an excellent entry point for the Luther novice. He also provides a useful glossary of names along with his own bibliographic notes and a list of suggested further reading. This is an excellent collection of writings by Martin Luther, freshly translated by a leading scholar in the field. (Sept.)