Surveys its development during the crises of Luther's life and examines by theological topic.

Attention is given to major writings, relative importance, genre, and historical context. Guides reader through significant issues in Luther's theology and discusses contributions.

With remarkable conciseness and clarity Lohse shows how doctrinal development has occurred in the various periods of the Church's history from the first century to the present.

This definitive analysis of the theology of Martin Luther surveys its development during the crises of Luther's life, then offers a systematic survey by topics. Containing a wealth of quotations from less-known writings by Luther and written in a way that will interest both scholar and novice, Lohse's magisterial volume is the first to evaluate Luther's theology in both ways. Lohse's historical analysis takes up Luther's early exegetical works and then his debates with traditions important to him in the context of the various controversies leading up to his dispute with the Antinomians. The systematic treatment shows how the meaning of ancient Christian doctrines took their place within the central teaching of justification by faith.