This Companion provides an accessible introduction to Martin Luther for students of theology and history and everyone interested in the life, work and thought of the first great Protestant reformer. Historians and theologians present a complete picture of Luther's major writing themes and the ways in which his ideas spread and continue to be important. The Companion is oriented to those with little or no background in Luther studies, as well as teachers and specialists.

Notes on contributors; Preface; Chronology; List of abbreviations; Part I. Luther's Life and Context: 1. Luther's life Albrecht Beutel; 2. Luther's Wittenberg Helmar Junghans; Part II. Luther's Work: 3. Luther's writings Timothy F. Lull; 4. Luther as bible translator Eric W. Gritsch; 5. Luther as an interpreter of holy scripture Oswald Bayer; 6. Luther's theology Markus Wriedt; 7. Luther's moral theology Bernd Wannenwetsch; 8. Luther as preacher of the Word of God Fred W. Meuser; 9. Luther's spiritual journey Jane E. Strohl; 10. Luther's struggle with social-ethical issues Carter Lindberg; 11. Luther's political encounters David M. Whitford; 12. Luther's polemical controversies Mark U. Edwards Jr; Part III. After Luther: 13. Luther's function in an age of confessionalization Robert Kolb; 14. The legacy of Martin Luther Hans J. Hillerbrand; 15. Approaching Luther James A. Nestingen; Part IV. Luther Today: 16. Luther and modern church history James M. Kittelson; 17. Luther's contemporary theological significance Robert W. Jenson; 18. Luther in the worldwide church today Günther Gassmann; Select bibliography; Index.