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| Martin Luther, Reformation Heritage Books |
The 500th
anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is fast approaching, and with it a
host of new resources with which to celebrate this world changing era. What took
place on October 31, 1517 at the hand of an obscure, Augustinian monk was the recapturing
of justification by grace alone through faith alone, a doctrine which Luther
said was the article upon which the church stands or falls.
When Martin
Luther nailed his 95 theses to the church door in Wittenberg, he couldn’t have
known, indeed had no intention, that he was etching his name into the granite
rock of church history. The young man from Eisleben, Germany, who had been
preparing to be lawyer but chose to become a monk at the flash of a bolt of
lightning, became the catalyst for what would become known as Reformed
theology. Those who study his life and life’s work for the spread of the Gospel
are blessed.
A New Resource
Luther’s theological
works are legion. Their depth and sheer volume have been the focus of scholarly
work for generations. Still, Luther is accessible and knowable by all. To this
end, author Simonetta Carr and illustrator Troy Howell, in cooperation with
Reformation Heritage Books and their series “Christian Biographies for Young
Readers,” have joined together to offer parents and their children a new biography
on this great reformer of the church.
Set into a book
of sturdy construction that ought to last a lifetime if well cared for, Carr
takes the reader on a chronological walk through the highlights of Luther’s life
and ministry. The prose is accessible to both reader and hearer (i.e. if read
aloud by a parent). Parent and child alike will come away from Martin Luther
with a clear and articulate grasp of Luther and the effects of his ministry
upon the church. As a bonus, the photography and illustrations bring it all together
to form a book that young readers will indeed enjoy throughout their years.
The Contribution
Unfortunately,
today’s young reader lives in an age that often finds theology and church
history to be less than “practical.” The error of this view is clear to those
who seek understanding. From a biblical counseling perspective, we understand
that theology is not done in a vacuum. Whether we understand it or not, we read
Scripture with those who have gone before us. Where ever this is rejected,
error is sure to follow.
One of the
values of this book, and the others that join it in the series, is the
opportunity given to parents to introduce their young reader to church history,
in this case, Martin Luther. As young readers engage this beautifully written
and packaged book, they will connect the dots between the faith they hold
today, and the saints of old, like Luther, who labored for the Gospel so long
ago. For parents, this book will help bring a sense of enthusiasm to their
child’s heart as they disciple them toward Christ.
A Counselor’s
Recommendation
The work of
counseling is usually thought of as strictly concerned with clinical diagnoses,
and behavior modification. Not so with biblical counseling. We’re concerned
with the entirety of the pursuit of sound doctrine and theology, and how they
move toward changing a person’s heart. Soul work begins with the faith that
Martin Luther came to know, as revealed in Scripture alone, and this book does
a masterful job of introducing him.
There are few
tasks in this life, if any, that surpass the greatness and responsibility of
parenting. In today’s world, parents cannot have too many resources dedicated to
shepherding their child’s heart. This series from Reformation Heritage Books is
a blessing to the family, and this book on Martin Luther would be a wonderful
place to start.
Disclaimer: A
copy of this book was provided to the reviewer at no charge in exchange for an
impartial review.
~ JW
