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Luther presented in the late-medieval/early-modern context
In Heiko Oberman's Luther: Man between God and the Devil, the reader is introduced to Martin Luther, a man who is arguably one of the most important historical figures of the two preceding millennia. In the book, Oberman traces Luther's life from his birth (born November 10th, 1483) to his death (February 18th, 1546), and he ably sketches the cultural, religious, and political environment that surrounded this turbulent era of reformation and revival. While Oberman presents a lucid portrait of the great Wittenberg Reformer, his chief contention throughout the book is that Luther can only be understood in light of the late-medieval worldview that (among other things) took the insidious (and tangible) machinations of the Devil seriously. For Luther, Oberman argues, the Devil was a constant adversary, and Luther detected his influence in nearly every facet of life - from the great to the mundane. It is this late-medieval worldview that provides the crucial background information for properly understanding the complex persona of Martin Luther the monk, professor, reformer, husband, and father.

The book begins by outlining the political and religious environment that preceded the decisive break between Luther and Rome. Politically, there was growing resentment by the German princes (and populace) toward what was perceived as Roman arrogance and world-hegemony. This antagonism towards Rome, coupled with an increasing nationalistic-patriotic fervor among Germans is especially evident in Luther's political manifesto, Address to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation, published in 1520. Oberman also demonstrates that from a religious perspective, the age preceding and extending into the era of reformation was one in which church reform was eagerly expected and sought after (particularly in and among the various monastic movements - a situation which proved to be a critical influence on the young monk Luther). The wealthy and powerful Church of Rome with its hierarchical structure found itself the object of increasing disdain among those who noted the striking contrast between the power and wealth of the Roman church and the meek and lowly Jesus. It was in this context of political and religious instability that Luther and his criticism of church praxis (particularly the scandal of indulgences) eventually grew into church-wide revolt and an ultimate break with the Roman See. Further, as a result of the Roman curial reaction to his challenges, Luther came to regard the Roman hierarchy (and eventually everyone who opposed him theologically) as inspired by the Devil. Against this backdrop, Oberman demonstrates that it is easy to understand how Luther could so vociferously oppose both church and state (i.e., the Emperor) - for Luther it was a confrontation between God and the Devil. Additionally, as Oberman traces Luther's development toward his great "reformation breakthrough," he notes the critical influence that Luther's hermeneutic played in his doctrinal formulations. For Luther, even before his decisive turning point, he emphasized that there was a center to biblical theology - Christ crucified. In order to interpret Scripture properly and to hear its message, it had to be interpreted from its center. In other words, "What proclaims Christ" becomes the final point of reference for Scriptural exegesis. With a Christo-centric hermeneutic, Oberman argues that Luther's "reformation breakthrough" comes once he "breaks" with the medieval tradition associating the "righteousness of God" as something disbursed by the church and contingent upon human merit, and he associates this concept with the righteousness that Christ grants to all freely as a gift. Oberman also argues that it was Luther's explosive personality, coupled with his ever present sense of the Devil's influence on world events which eventually led to 1) his endorsement of the massacre of the peasants during their revolt, 2) his refusal to unite with those reformers who did not believe in the real presence in the elements of communion, and 3) his strong renunciation of Jews in his later years. Oberman concludes his book by painting a more personal portrait of Luther, examining his relationship with his wife, his children, and his friends, and demonstrating that Luther was a passionate (and often irascible) man who understood all of life (including his intimate relationships) as lived before God and challenged by the Adversary.

This is a well-written book that draws the reader into Luther's world and helps those of us who come from a different era (and consequent worldview) to better understand the environment which produced the reformation and the man who was so pivotal in its implementation. Oberman's thesis concerning Luther's late-medieval outlook is compelling, and he demonstrates throughout the book (by direct citation) how this insight better explains the man and his actions. To substantiate his points, he cites Luther's own words, and the words of his contemporaries, which consistently reinforce Oberman's main thesis. As a whole, the book is an interesting read, made even more so by the fascinating pictoral illustrations that are scattered throughout the book, and which communicate the spirit of the age through pictures (many of which reinforce Oberman's thesis that the conflict was seen primarily as a conflict between God and the Devil).

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An admirable biography of an admirable man
Fluidly written, and most importantly true to its subject, Oberman's masterpiece portrays Luther as the man he really was - the man between God and the Devil. To not get the meaning of that phrase is to not get what Luther was about or who he was. In this powerful biography Oberman makes it impossible to make such a mistake. Oberman depicts the turmoil, the angst and the persecution that surrounded Luther both physically and spiritually. He describes his stubborn, fiery character to stand for the Gospel in the context of overwhelming peril. He beautifully describes this blessed man who saw the verse, "the just shall live by faith," as the gateway to paradise and the maxim, "Simul Peccator et Iustus" [simultaneously sinner and just] as the heart of the Christian faith. There are lots of biographies out there, but both the author and the subject of this work stand out. For me, it was not just some book to learn more about the historical events of the reformation, but in the course of reading Oberman's description of Luther's simple words, "Simul Peccator et Iustus" I found transforming grace. It can do the same for you.

SOLI DEO GLORIA

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Great Material but Not a Smooth Read
Oberman obviously writes as a scholar and provides wonderful context, sensitive and nuanced interpretation, and at times wonderful quotes. My main criticism of the book is that it tends to read a little more like a text book than a biography. This book may be better for the serious history student than for the more casual reader.