Demythologizing the Luther Myths 1883–1983

So much was written about Luther during his lifetime and so much more has been written since his death that some might believe that after five hundred years, there is nothing new to say about his life. Many examples show, however, how far the new Luther research in Germany has distanced itself from what was still being said and written about Luther two or three generations ago, such as on the occasion of the four–hundredth anniversary of Luther’s birth in 1883. The essay considers crucial events in the Reformer’s career—including the lightening strike at Stotternheim, the 95 Theses, the Diet at Worms, exile at the Wartburg Castle, and the Peasants War—confronting in each case the older view with the new.