Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel

Rating:
Summary: Relevant Pastoral Counsel for Today
Review: This book is a very readable collection of Martin Luther's pastoral letters, organized topically by chapters, and chronologically within the chapters. The "Letters of Spiritual Counsel" give insight into the pastoral heart of Luther, and how he applied the correction of the Law and the comfort of the Gospel to the daily lives and affairs of people in his time. The reader clearly learns how Luther brought the consolation of Christ's death and resurrection to the troubled at heart. Sections that I found particularly helpful were those that dealt with people who were sick and dying, as well as with the families of the recently deceased; how he dealt with people who were troubled over their election to salvation; and his advice in matters of the civil realm. One of the best sections is his advice to clergymen, in which he gives suggestions on how a pastor should deal evangelically with various troubles in the congregation. Overall the letters show how Luther sought to turn people to Christ alone for their salvation, and how this specifically served to comfort them in a multitude of daily matters. This book would be an excellent resource for any pastor or seminary student, and can easily be read in bits and pieces since most of the letters are relatively short. Despite the difference in time periods, a modern pastor will recognize the problems that Luther approaches are familiar to us today, and much of Luther's pastoral insight has enduring value for today.