Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther

Rating:
Summary: Readable, memorable, informative
Review: I read this biography several years ago, and still remember it vividly. I am not generally a fan of biography, and read it to get a picture of this man who has made such a radical difference in world history. I was not disappointed. It held my attention throughout. Interesting, well documented, the story moved at a pace worthy of a good novel, while still providing abundant information and detail. The education about the man and the period gained from reading this book has stayed with me like few books I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it too highly.

Rating:
Summary: Readable, memorable, informative
Review: I read this biography several years ago, and still remember it vividly. I am not generally a fan of biography, and read it to get a picture of this man who has made such a radical difference in world history. I was not disappointed. It held my attention throughout. Interesting, well documented, the story moved at a pace worthy of a good novel, while still providing abundant information and detail. The education about the man and the period gained from reading this book has stayed with me like few books I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it too highly.

Rating:
Summary: COMPREHENSIVE YET CONCISE
Review: Martin Luther is a monumental figure who lived during complex, tumultuous times, but Bainton delivers a biography that portrays his subject in a clear and concise manner.

The first part of this book deals with Luther's days as a monk, his crisis of faith, and the development of his theology that ultimately led to his break from Rome, spearheading the Reformation. The central portion of the book deals with the conflict with Rome, appropriate emphasis being given to the Diet of Worms. The greatest strength of this book is that the events of Luther's life, his words, and his work are always presented within their greater context. Not only is the Lutheran movement followed, but also much attention is given to the state of the Catholic Church during Luther's lifetime. Also given their proper attention are competing Protestant movements, humanism (particularly as pertaining to Erasmus), Anabaptism, the Peasant Revolt, and German nationalism.

Much of the book is of course spent discussing the theological issues that were at stake. As I read these passages a mental picture of a triangle emerged, with the three points being God, Man, and Church. Bainton does a good job of explaining how Luther, Rome, and other parties differed in their views as to the nature of each of these three entities, and more importantly how they differed in their views as to how these points of the triangle properly related to one another - God to Man, Man to Church, and Church to God (the three sides of the triangle if you will). My one complaint is that occasionally when discussing the finer theological points, Bainton will inject his opinion in such a way that it is difficult to tell if that opinion is shared by Luther. In those sections the book reads more like the transcript of a sermon than a biography.

The latter stages of the book get away from the conflict with Rome, and explore the contributions Luther made to the building of the new Protestant traditions. I enjoyed this section thoroughly because, after all, simply tearing down the old is no big trick; it's the creation of something new, something better that is the real test. Luther's contributions in translating the Bible to German, his writings, his musical compositions and other endeavors are all well covered by Bainton.

One note about Abingdon Classics: these are small paperbacks with very fine print. So if you have difficulty with small print, get the other paperback version or the hardback.

One final note: The bit about the triangle is purely my own invention; Bainton's discussion is not nearly so hackneyed. It's just how I got a handle on the issues, and how I could best discuss the theological passages of the book.

Rating:
Summary: The Next Best Thing to Reading Luther...Maybe
Review: Several typos and the reference to Karl Barth aside, this appears from many accounts to be THE biography of Luther. It states all the important particulars without deviating to the extreme positions many others do. Doesn't give you the full picture of the man that a thorough reading of his works does, (but biography, if I may digress, is the thing to which all naturally migrate. This may be a mistake.) Luther's complete sermons set tells more about him and his relation to the Lord Jesus Christ.

A bit flimsy paperback, this (cover separation within the first 100 pages read), with the grayish paper, but what else at such a price.


Rating:
Summary: The Best Biography on Luther, Period.
Review: This biography is the most accurate and unprejudiced ever written on Luther (and I have read dozens of them). Bainton provides very lucid and vivid historical settings, events, people, and such surrounding the life of Luther. What is more, Bainton is quite fair-minded with regard to Luther's personal traits; I get tired of reading other biographers who try to psychoanalyze Luther and draw conclusions about his thinking based on pure speculations. Bainton renders a fair assessment of perhaps why, based on historical settings and events which were occurring during Luther's day, as to why he perhaps did and said some of the things he did.

Bainton really draws his reader into the life of Luther by carefully unfolding historical events which led up to the reformation and events that helped to shape Luther's thinking during and following the Reformation. The book is also nicely lavished with engravings and illustrations which helps the reader get a better understanding of what Bainton is trying to communicate. Moreover, the book contains a very exhaustive bibliography to help the reader branch out into further research and reading.

This book is written in a chronological format from Luther's birth to his death, and every major event which occurred between. This text is certainly a must for anyone who wants a better understanding of Martin Luther. Moreover, it is also a crucial text for anyone wanting a better understanding of the Reformation. I cannot begin to describe the depth and breadth of this work. I highly recommend this text!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book on the Reformation
Review: This book clearly and concisely tells about the Reformation and Luther. Sometimes a bit confusing, but generally easy to read.

Rating:
Summary: Not so great
Review: This book I felt was extremely boring, because Bainton was wordy. It did not seem to follow a logical pattern sometimes, and was not objective. However I had to read it for a class. And the test coming up is extremely hard, so I am going to reread the book and maybe I will enjoy it more.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: This book review is on the work, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, by Roland H. Bainton. The author covers Luther's life from the beginning, and the point is made that in Luther's early years, nothing set him apart from others his age. There was no indication from his early life that he would later rebel against much of medieval religion. Bainton begins the book with Luther's vow to become a monk during a thunderstorm in 1505. Luther became a monk in order to save his soul, but he soon concluded more was needed. Bainton stresses that Luther felt the need to become perfect in order to obtain justification with God, and this quest defined Luther for the better part of his life. This quest for salvation eventually led Luther against Christian Orthodoxy, thus beginning the Protestant Reformation. Detail is given from the time Luther posted the 95 theses in October 1517 through the Diet of Worms in 1522. During these years, Luther proved to the world that he was a man who stood up for his convictions. During these years, a strong significance is placed on the fact that Luther always believed he would die for his cause. The years from 1522-1530 are also well covered, particularly in covering Luther's theology. However, only one chapter deals with the final 16 years of Luther's life. The climax of the work occurs in chapter 10, entitled Here I Stand, and it is clear that Bainton's thesis is wrapped up neatly in the title of the book. The author stressed throughout the work that Luther was a man of principle who stood up courageously for what he believed in.
Since this was the first biography on Martin Luther that I have read, there is minimal room for comparing this work with any of the other works done about this complicated figure. Here I Stand proves very interesting and enlightening. Although the work is a serious scholarly piece, it is written in a way that encourages further reading. The prose is very fluid and narrative in nature, and any reasonable person with an interest in Luther can comfortably read it. Even though it is a delight to read, close attention is given to the history and theology of the man. Having a general historical knowledge of 16th century Germany is important in better understanding the work; however, that aspect is not a pre-requisite for enjoying the book. This book definitely heightened my interest in Martin Luther, his times, and the Catholic Church. For the reasons mentioned above, my criticism for the book is favorable. Bainton's writing style is very appealing, and he succeeded in giving the reader something to take pleasure in. Often, space in the narrative is given to extended quotes made by Luther and his contemporaries, and these quotes are used in such a way to add positively to the quality of Bainton's writing. There is a strong emphasis early in the work showing the different ways in which Luther tried to earn his salvation. He clearly believed that he had achieved salvation by entering monastic life, but becoming a monk did not settle Luther's feelings about being saved. Luther tried to live a perfect life under the religious system, yet he still doubted his salvation. The selling of indulgences also troubled Luther deeply. These issues eventually drove him to the realization that salvation was unattainable by works, and that the pope was not a supreme being. For Bainton, Luther achieved greatness when he finally believed he was right. Only then was Luther ready to accept the severest penalties for his beliefs.
In the first 12 chapters of Here I Stand, the text is sequential in nature, but after chapter 12 until the end of the book, it becomes topical in character. Some topics about Luther include: theology, economics, politics, domesticity, music, depression, preaching, and prayer. Bainton did not internally cite his sources, but he included an extensive bibliography located in the back of the book. Sources include works by Franz Hildebrand and Robert Friedmann. Many primary sources are used that consist primarily of written works of Luther and his contemporaries. Also, there are over 80 pieces of art depicted in the book itself, which added to the depth of the work. It is clear that the author achieved his purpose of the book. Bainton proved that Luther was no ordinary man, and that M.L. achieved as much as he did because of his Faith. The author gives the reader more than just a stale work on a distant historical figure. Bainton shows the reader emotions that the man actually faced. Bainton wrote the book with real emotion, thereby giving the reader an added reason to be moved by it. However, the author might be criticized for not spending enough time on the contradictions in Luther's belief system. For example, Bainton quoted Luther as saying, "Let everyone believe what he likes. If he is wrong, he will have punishment enough in hell fire." Yet Bainton also made the point that Luther believed that sedition should be cause for death. Luther showed seditious behavior when standing against the Church, but he still felt that others should be put to death if they were standing up against orthodoxy. Bainton merely glazed over this contradiction as well as others.
In conclusion, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther is a classic work on the life of Martin Luther, and it can be very useful for anybody wanting to learn more about this great historical figure. Portions of the book have been given at several theological seminaries around the world, and by considering the spirit of the book; it appears the volume is written more specifically for a protestant audience. It can be concluded that the author felt deeply about his subject, and that Roland H. Bainton succeeded in his work on Martin Luther.

Rating:
Summary: A Classic
Review: This book review is on the work, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther, by Roland H. Bainton. The author covers Luther's life from the beginning, and the point is made that in Luther's early years, nothing set him apart from others his age. There was no indication from his early life that he would later rebel against much of medieval religion. Bainton begins the book with Luther's vow to become a monk during a thunderstorm in 1505. Luther became a monk in order to save his soul, but he soon concluded more was needed. Bainton stresses that Luther felt the need to become perfect in order to obtain justification with God, and this quest defined Luther for the better part of his life. This quest for salvation eventually led Luther against Christian Orthodoxy, thus beginning the Protestant Reformation. Detail is given from the time Luther posted the 95 theses in October 1517 through the Diet of Worms in 1522. During these years, Luther proved to the world that he was a man who stood up for his convictions. During these years, a strong significance is placed on the fact that Luther always believed he would die for his cause. The years from 1522-1530 are also well covered, particularly in covering Luther's theology. However, only one chapter deals with the final 16 years of Luther's life. The climax of the work occurs in chapter 10, entitled Here I Stand, and it is clear that Bainton's thesis is wrapped up neatly in the title of the book. The author stressed throughout the work that Luther was a man of principle who stood up courageously for what he believed in.
Since this was the first biography on Martin Luther that I have read, there is minimal room for comparing this work with any of the other works done about this complicated figure. Here I Stand proves very interesting and enlightening. Although the work is a serious scholarly piece, it is written in a way that encourages further reading. The prose is very fluid and narrative in nature, and any reasonable person with an interest in Luther can comfortably read it. Even though it is a delight to read, close attention is given to the history and theology of the man. Having a general historical knowledge of 16th century Germany is important in better understanding the work; however, that aspect is not a pre-requisite for enjoying the book. This book definitely heightened my interest in Martin Luther, his times, and the Catholic Church. For the reasons mentioned above, my criticism for the book is favorable. Bainton's writing style is very appealing, and he succeeded in giving the reader something to take pleasure in. Often, space in the narrative is given to extended quotes made by Luther and his contemporaries, and these quotes are used in such a way to add positively to the quality of Bainton's writing. There is a strong emphasis early in the work showing the different ways in which Luther tried to earn his salvation. He clearly believed that he had achieved salvation by entering monastic life, but becoming a monk did not settle Luther's feelings about being saved. Luther tried to live a perfect life under the religious system, yet he still doubted his salvation. The selling of indulgences also troubled Luther deeply. These issues eventually drove him to the realization that salvation was unattainable by works, and that the pope was not a supreme being. For Bainton, Luther achieved greatness when he finally believed he was right. Only then was Luther ready to accept the severest penalties for his beliefs.
In the first 12 chapters of Here I Stand, the text is sequential in nature, but after chapter 12 until the end of the book, it becomes topical in character. Some topics about Luther include: theology, economics, politics, domesticity, music, depression, preaching, and prayer. Bainton did not internally cite his sources, but he included an extensive bibliography located in the back of the book. Sources include works by Franz Hildebrand and Robert Friedmann. Many primary sources are used that consist primarily of written works of Luther and his contemporaries. Also, there are over 80 pieces of art depicted in the book itself, which added to the depth of the work. It is clear that the author achieved his purpose of the book. Bainton proved that Luther was no ordinary man, and that M.L. achieved as much as he did because of his Faith. The author gives the reader more than just a stale work on a distant historical figure. Bainton shows the reader emotions that the man actually faced. Bainton wrote the book with real emotion, thereby giving the reader an added reason to be moved by it. However, the author might be criticized for not spending enough time on the contradictions in Luther's belief system. For example, Bainton quoted Luther as saying, "Let everyone believe what he likes. If he is wrong, he will have punishment enough in hell fire." Yet Bainton also made the point that Luther believed that sedition should be cause for death. Luther showed seditious behavior when standing against the Church, but he still felt that others should be put to death if they were standing up against orthodoxy. Bainton merely glazed over this contradiction as well as others.
In conclusion, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther is a classic work on the life of Martin Luther, and it can be very useful for anybody wanting to learn more about this great historical figure. Portions of the book have been given at several theological seminaries around the world, and by considering the spirit of the book; it appears the volume is written more specifically for a protestant audience. It can be concluded that the author felt deeply about his subject, and that Roland H. Bainton succeeded in his work on Martin Luther.

Rating:
Summary: Food for thought
Review: This is a philosophical biography of Martin Luther. Although it provides some details about Luther's personal life, early upbringing and later family life, the focus of the book is on Luther's struggle to reform the Catholic church. The book is dense with summaries of Luther's writings, and it appears in a relatively small font, so it is not a quick or light read. It assumes a familiarity with Christian ideals and scripture; nevertheless, you don't need to be a Bible scholar to appreciate its discussion.

This book is filled with passages that made me stop, think and reflect, and then dog-ear the page for return visits. Bainton quotes Luther: "Faith is a living, restless thing. It cannot be inoperative. We are not saved by works; but if there be no works, there must be something amiss with faith." Later, "Music is to be praised as second only to the Word of God because by her all the emotions swayed...The Holy Spirit himself pays tribute to music when he records that the evil spirit of Saul was exorcised as David played upon his harp....This precious gift has been bestowed on men alone to remind them that they are created to praise and magnify the Lord." Through reading this book, I became much more aware of the tremendous influence that Luther had on shaping numerous aspects of modern Western society. Anyone with any interest in any form of Christianity should become acquainted with the ideas of Martin Luther, and reading this book would be a good start.