Luther's thought assumed form in polemics

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Luther’s polemic reflects not self-confidence but confidence in God’s Word. His polemic arose in the context of the university disputation, which sought truth and examined skills through disputation. Luther discovered God’s Word’s ability to serve as weapon against his foes. In several literary genres Luther’s versatile use of a range of polemical devices countered positions he regarded as false. The necessity of opposing such positions provoked his expansion and deepening of formulations of doctrine and ecclesiastical practice on various topics, including Christian freedom, the external character of God’s Word, and other doctrines. Luther’s polemic also served pastoral purposes, defending the faithful against error.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOxford Handbook of Martin Luther
EditorsRobert Kolb, Irene Dingel, Lubomir Batka
Number of pages10
PublisherOxford University Press
Publication date2014
Pages471-480
ISBN (Electronic)9780199604708
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

ID: 36062200