Martin Luther: Catholic Critical Analysis and Praise

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Dave Armstrong

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ABOUT THIS BOOK

A Catholic analysis of Martin Luther in two parts: a critical examination of the founder of Protestantism (his authority claims, his canon, his salvation theology, the Peasants’ Revolt, his intolerance), followed by 83 pages of praise — where Luther’s Eucharistic theology, Mariology, and sacramental teaching sound surprisingly Catholic.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dedication (p. 3)

Continue reading (22 more)

Introduction (p. 5) [available online]

PART ONE: CRITICISM

1. Was Martin Luther a “Revolutionary” Who Had Many Fundamental Disagreements With the Catholic Church? (p. 11)

2. Martin Luther’s Extraordinary (and Arbitrary) Claims Regarding His Own Authority (p. 39)

3. Martin Luther and the Canon of Holy Scripture (p. 47)

4. Luther and Salvation Theology: “Getting to a Gracious God” and the “Snow-Covered Dunghill” (p. 63)

5. Soul Sleep and Luther’s Rejection of Purgatory (p. 105)

6. The Extent of Luther’s Blame Regarding the Tragedy of the Peasants’ Revolt (1525-1526) (p. 117)

7. Martin Luther’s Religious Intolerance and Ironic Espousal of Capital Punishment For Heresy (p. 161)

PART TWO: PRAISE AND AGREEMENT
***

8. Sacraments: Baptismal Regeneration, Real Presence in the Eucharist, Adoration, Absolution, Confirmation, Anointing (p. 175)

Excerpts available online:

Martin Luther On the Sacrament of Absolution (and Private Confession)

Martin Luther’s Opinion of (the Catholic Sacrament of) Confirmation

9. Mary: the Blessed Virgin and Mother of God (p. 207)

10. Other Catholic “Remnants”: Good Works and Sanctification, Authoritative Church Tradition, Crucifixes, Images, Etc. (p. 231)

Excerpts available online:

Martin Luther on Sanctification and the Absolute Necessity of Good Works as the Proof of Authentic Faith

Martin Luther on Crucifixes, Images and Statues of Saints, and the Sign of the Cross

Bibliography of Sources (p. 259)

Review by Fr. Peter Stravinskas, in The Catholic Response (Jan / Feb 2009, Vol. V, No. 4, pp. 31-32):

The author is a fine apologist and has often demonstrated how Luther (and other Reformers) were much more Catholic than their spiritual heirs today. In scholarly, critical, and ecumenical fashion, the reader is led through the theological musings of a very complex and confused/confusing man. Where Catholic truth is at stake, Luther’s inadequacies are highlighted; where there is coincidence, that is happily shown. Particularly worthwhile is the treatment of Luther’s Eucharistic theology and his Mariology, where contemporary Protestants could profit greatly from their spiritual forefather.

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