Chapters One &
Two
1. Nestigen begins with
the question, “Who was Martin Luther?”
“But there is much more to the identity of Martin Luther, enough to make
him forever controversial.” Prior to reading this book, what was your
knowledge/opinion of Martin Luther & his legacy?
2. Nestigen introduces
us to Luther’s parents and his years of upbringing. What
were those years like for Martin?
3. What drove Luther to the monastery?
What was his chief fear?
4. Luther’s journey as a
monk led to both his ordination as a pastor and his academic promotion as a
doctor of the Bible and church…assuming “another public office, swearing to
uphold the church’s witness as well as its theology, its thinking about
Scripture, and its tradition.” His plate
was full. Why was Luther still doubtful of himself?
5. Luther was drawn to
both the Psalms and to Paul’s writings.
He was particularly engaged with the “‘righteousness of God,’ a phrase
from the Psalms and from Paul’s writings that became Luther’s point of
focus.’” This led to the question, “How
do I find a gracious God?” Identifying with Luther, what theological
questions linger for you? Is there one,
in particular, that stays at the forefront of your thinking and reflection as a
Christian?
6. Luther gets some
relief from his doubts as he embraces his newfound understanding that, “The
merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written, ‘The just shall live by
faith.’” “Luther immediately felt ‘as
though reborn.’” Thus, God gives us what
he commands…allowing us to respond in the only way we can: by faith, and not by
works. Why did this comfort Luther, and why should it comfort us?
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