Jeffrey Jaynes

Experiencing Gospel

History & Biography

“Most authors long for one best-seller. Luther had several, but none more enduring than the 1534 Luther Bible. Jensen's book explores the results of the Wittenberg Bible project, noting how the remarkable translation effort, notable illustrations, and a few highlighted texts brought audiences not just a book but the living voice of the gospel (viva vox evangelii).”

Reforming Faith

History & Biography

“Straddling the daring protests of Martin Luther and a confession of faith presented to Emperor Charles V in 1530, Anna Marie Johnson's Reforming Faith describes how a team of Wittenberg-based reformers created a new approach to Christian faith and practice in the 1520s. Translating the scriptures, adding congregational hymns to a vernacular liturgy, reforming approaches to poverty relief and marriage, launching educational structures in German towns and villages, and revising constitutions for the church required an array of skilled theologians and church practitioners. Johnson's important work details how this Wittenberg ensemble--more than a one-man band (Luther) and not merely a one-hit wonder (the Augsburg Confession)--constructed an enduring approach to Christian life.”