Written around 1350 by an anonymous author, this is a simple yet profound book about life in God as it translates into life in the world. This translation was based on the Reformer's edition of 1518.
Luther popularized this work by a 14th-century author who focuses on the "divine life," which is directed or guided by the "true light" of God. It offers insightful spiritual advice relevant to all Christians.
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The Theologia Germanica is believed to have been written around 1350, by a priest in the house of the Teutonic order in Frankfort, Germany. The author may have been associated with the "Friends of God," led by Dominicans, John Tauler and Blessed Henry Suso. This book came to the attention of Martin Luther, and he is credited with giving the treatise its modern name. Written over a century before Luther's time, its theology draws upon the Latin Christianity of the Rhineland. The Theologia Germanica has appeared in many editions and languages over its 600-year history, and has taken its place beside the Imitation of Christ, in literature of devotion. Susanna Winkworth (1820-1884), translated the most complete version of the Theologia Germanica known, based on the Wurtzburg Manuscript, discovered in the 19th century. Her translation, first published in 1854, includes additional passages not found in the editions made popular by Martin Luther. In this Modern English Edition of the Theologia Germanica from Scriptoria Books, only obsolete, archaic, and poetic words have been edited. The grammar and syntax of Susanna Winkworth's original translation from the German manuscript, have been preserved. This creates an edition that is true to the composition of the original translation, while providing a more-modern easier-reading text. Scriptoria Books has transcribed this edition from the original text. It was then edited, formatted, and proofread through each revision. Our procedures are not automated. Our editions are not facsimiles and do not contain OCR interpreted text. Our books are carefully created new editions of classic works.
In inclusive and contemporary translations, this volume introduces the reader to the rich complex of issues that Luther contributes to the history of spirituality
The Book of the Perfect Life crystallized the mystical experience of the late Middle Ages, yet still speaks to seekers today. Martin Luther wrote of this 14th century devotional work that "next to the Bible and St. Augustine, no other book has come to my attention from which I have learned-and desired to learn-more concerning God, Christ, man and what all things are." Theologica Deutsch-the title this work has most commonly appeared under- has been through 190 editions in ten languages throughout its 600-year history. Now drawing on the latest German critical edition of the work, David Blamires brings us the definitive English translation of this classic mystical work, The Book of the Perfect Life.
This book introduces the English-speaking world to the new Finnish interpretation of the theology of Martin Luther, initiated by the writings of Tuomo Mannermaa of Helsinki University. At the heart of the Finnish breakthrough in Luther research lies the theme of salvation. Luther found his answer to the mystery of salvation in the justifying work of Christ received through faith alone. But Protestant theology has never enjoyed a consensus on how to interpret the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith. In opposition to the traditional forensic understanding of justification, Mannermaa argues that for Luther "Christ is really present in faith itself." Mannermaa's interpretation of Luther's view of justification is thus more ontological and mystical than ethical and juridical. As such, his work challenges a century of scholarly opinion concerning a foundational doctrine of Protestant theology.