True Faith in the True God: An Introduction to Luther's Life and Thought by Hans Schwarz (review)

Amidst the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Hans Schwarz's revision of this work, originally published twenty years ago, offers a fine "primer" into Luther's life and thought. Schwarz notes that his book is not intended to replace the magisterial studies of Bernhard Lohse or Martin Brecht (x). Instead, it is to provide those with little background in Luther studies an entry into the basic vocabulary, grammar, and syntax of Luther's mission and theology. The chief difference between this revision and the original is the addition of three chapters, dealing respectively with Luther's views of education, the economy, and music.

The table of contents indicates how Schwarz configures his analysis of Luther. His first chapter is an overview of Luther's life, focusing on the events that triggered the Reformation. He then discusses knowledge of God, the relation between faith and reason, God's divinity, humanity "between God and Satan," the two kingdoms, scripture, law and gospel, church and sacraments, marriage and parenthood, vocation, and the three additional topics mentioned above. Schwarz takes a holistic approach: Luther is not made to fit into a pre-established theological system. Instead, we discover Luther's program of reform as embedded in social institutions and human exchanges, whether of power, wealth, education, or, in the case of music, delight. Similarly, Schwarz does not simply describe Luther's stances but instead helps readers think through them to see how, given his presuppositions, Luther arrived at them.

Schwarz notes that Luther affirmed a "natural" knowledge of God, that is, that humans can know something of God through reason in spite of the fact that such knowledge is somewhat subjective, is defaced by sin, and is preliminary to what can be known of God through the gospel (51–53). Only through the cross is genuine knowledge of God to be found. "The cross as the sign of the revelation of God also guards against deceitful imitations. While the majesty of God can easily be counterfeited into a fantasized image of our own ideas, the cross will not be imitated or distorted by any religion, philosophical speculation, or by our own fantasy" (67). That humans are assailed by the "hidden God" ultimately works for human salvation: "But God does it [assailing] for salvation so that human beings can be freed from their own selves and all self-confidence, and flee to the arms of the merciful God" (118).

Schwarz sees no "third use of the law" operative in Luther but, based on the interpretation of law in both catechisms, he says, "The Commandments are hence not only a mirror in which we recognize sin, although they retain this function for the Christian; they are a much-needed and wholesome instruction in that which God expects from us by way of good works … the commandment of God, not the law, provides the Christian with guidance for the right way to live" (169). While disclaiming the late Luther's anti-Judaic ravings, Schwarz ably fits them into the context of the times in which church and state were one and in which blasphemy accordingly is to be denounced (200–201). Schwarz sees no trajectory in history from Luther to the Third Reich, which was itself "a religious, neo-pagan ideology" (201). Luther's push for public education enhanced literacy in Northern Europe, and provided many advantages for Protestant citizens in contrast to Catholic populations (244–45). Luther advocated economic policies that put first the neighbor's well-being, and not greed (264). Finally, while contemporary Westerners struggle less with guilt and more with anomie, Schwarz claims Luther as one who can help us find God to be the "beginning, the center, and the goal of our life if we want to overcome our insecurity and disorientation" (280).

My only wish is that this book had a specific chapter devoted entirely to Christology since Jesus Christ...