Martin Luther (1483-1546) lived at an important juncture during the long and tortuous history of the conflict between Islam and Europe. Scholars have long focused on his apocalyptic interpretation of the rise of the Muslim Ottoman Empire, but only a few have probed deeper into his thought on Islam. As a result, one of the most influential thinkers in the western intellectual tradition has received very little attention in the history of Christian perceptions of and responses to Islam. Drawing upon a vast array of the Reformerâs writings while also examining several key texts, this book reveals an often-overlooked aspect of Luther's thought, and thereby provides fresh insight into his place in the history of Christian-Muslim relations.
Adam S. Francisco, D.Phil. (2006) in Historical Theology, University of Oxford, is Guest Professor of Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne, Indiana).
..most welcome study..[...]...significant contribution.., The author's analysis of Luther's various later writings is very thorough and well grounded. He leads the reader carefully through texts, exposing the structure in order to elucidate the content of each. [...] ... it is certainly worth requesting from any library that has a copy.
Paul Robinson, Concordia Journal, 2009
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABBREVIATIONS
INTRODUCTION
PART ONE - ISLAM, SARACENS, TURKS, AND THE WEST (1095-1546)
CHAPTER 1 - A SURVEY OF APPROACHES TO AND PERCEPTIONS
OF ISLAM IN THE MEDIEVAL LATIN WEST
Christian Apologetics vis-Ã -vis Islam
Islam and the Apocalypse
Descriptive Accounts of the Muslim World
CHAPTER 2 - THE TURKS AND ISLAM IN THE CONTEXT OF THE
SIXTEENTH CENTURY
Ottoman Imperialism
Responses to Ottoman Imperialism and Islam
Sixteenth Century Perceptions of the Turks and Islam
CHAPTER 3 - DIMENSIONS OF LUTHERâS THOUGHT ON THE
OTTOMAN TURKS
Responding to Ottoman Imperialism
The Apocalyptic Nature of the Turkish Threat
Treason, Apostasy, and Apologetics
CHAPTER 4 - LUTHERâS KNOWLEDGE OF THE MUSLIM WORLD AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS ISLAM
Lutherâs Source Material on Islam
Luther on the Study of Islam and the Qurâân
Lutherâs Knowledge of and Attitude towards Islam
PART TWO - MARTIN LUTHERâS ENGAGEMENT WITH ISLAM
CHAPTER 5 - âLIES, MURDER, AND DISREGARD FOR MARRIAGEâ:
LUTHERâS INITIAL CRITIQUE OF ISLAM
The Theological Worldview behind Lutherâs Critique:
Die Dreiständelehre
Islam and the Three Estates
Islam: The Final Analysis
CHAPTER 6 - ANFECHTUNG AND THE ALLURE OF ISLAM:
AN EXISTENTIAL APOLOGETIC FOR CHRISTIANS IN THE
MAHOMETISCH REICH
Anfechtung and the Christian Predicament
Anfechtung and the Allure of Islam
Pastoral Advice for Christians in the Mahometisch Reich
CHAPTER 7 - EXPOSING MUHAMMAD AND THE QURâÃN IN GERMAN: LUTHERâS POLEMICAL-APOLOGETIC AGAINST ISLAM
The Occasion and Purpose of Lutherâs Verlegung des Alcoran
Lutherâs Attack on the Qurâân
Lutherâs Demonstration of Christian Truth from the Qurâân
CHAPTER 8 - THE FAITH OF ADAM AND INVENTION OF MUHAMMAD: LUTHERâS APOLOGY FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH
Christian Apologetics vis-Ã -vis Islam
A Sermon for the Ecclesia Facing the Claims of Islam
Muhammadâs Innovation and the Defence of the Christian Religion
CONCLUSION
BIBLIOGRAPHY
All those interested in intellectual history, ecclesiastical history (especially Martin Luther and the Reformation), the history of Christian - Muslim relations, and historical theologians in general.