Luther and the Mystics: A re-examination of Luther's spiritual experience and his relationship to the mystics

a re-examination of Luther's spiritual experience and his relationship to the mystics

Plot

From the dust jacket: "The theology of Martin Luther includes both an external, objective emphasis and an internal, subjective emphasis. Luther studies have paid close attention to the former with its well-known phrases: 'Christ for us,' 'righteousness outside us,' and 'external Word.' But for some reason the subjective or mystical element in Luther's thought has been practically ignored. Prof. Hoffman reminds us of this important aspect in Luther and shows its significance in Luther's theology as a whole. It is true that Luther rejected all schemes of salvation, mystical or otherwise, that did not have Christ at the center. He insisted that the Gospel be anchored in history and Scripture. Yet he did not neglect the personal, non-rational aspects of fatih. He spoke of 'the kingdom within us' and of our 'mystical union' with Christ. Those who attempt to interpret Luther must study both the objective and the subjective elements in his theology. And they must not forget that Luther himself had a life-long appreciation of such mystics as Bernard of Clairvaux, Johan Tauler, and the unknown author of Theologia Germanica."