“Another quality that strikes us… is Luther’s unfailing sense of humor. Reformers are usually deficient in humor. Their earnestness seldom permits them to laugh. Luther was the most earnest man of his century, and lived in more earnest times than any Europe had witnessed since the close of the first century. But his merry laugh rings through the entire solemn drama of his life. He relieved himself and others by permitting himself glimpses at the ludicrous aspects which human nature presents even in the transaction of its most solemn and momentous matters.

“Luther’s reputation has indeed gained rather than lost through the somewhat indiscreet publication of his familiar Table Talk. He has been the subject of much obloquy, which is hardly to be wondered at. He was the leader of a fierce theological debate, and he never spared his foes.” — From the Introduction

Level of Difficulty: Intermediate: Some subject matter knowledge helpful.

Book Contents

• List of Illustrations
• Introduction.
• Book 1.
  • Of The Works Of God.
  • Of The Word Of God.
  • Of Jesus Christ.
  • Of The Law And The Gospel.
  • Of The Church.
  • Of Preaching And Preachers.
  • Of Confession And Absolution.
  • The Lord’s Supper.
  • Good Works.
  • Of The Devil.
  • Prayer.
• Book 2.
  • Of Death.
  • Of The Resurrection Of The Dead And Life Eternal.
  • Of Marriage.
  • Of The Jews.
  • Of Ecclesiastical Legends.
  • The World And Its Ways.
  • Of Princes And Rulers
  • Of The Use Of Learning.
  • Of Comedies.
  • Of The Power Of Music.
  • Of Singing.
  • Of Germany.
  • Of Languages.
  • Of The Schools And Universities Of Germany.
  • Of The Turks.
  • Of Heroes And Wise Men Of Antiquity.
  • Of The Fathers And Doctors Of The Church.

Publication Information

• Lutheran Library edition first published: 2019-08-22
• Updated: 2019-08-22
• Copyright: CC BY 4.0