Review

"[A] superb study..."

Paul R. Hinlicky, Roanoke College, Sixteenth Century Journal

"...an excellent book."

Journal of Religion

"Witte's book is an excellent dissertation on how law in early modern Germany coalesced with Roman law and the Code of Canon Law under the influence of Lutheran scriptural interpretation and how, in time, this aided the emergence of the secular state."

Chronicles

"Witte has written an informative and learned treatise on the development of law that should exercise a considerable influence."

First Things

"This book breaks new ground. With a binocular vision of law and theology, as the author calls it, it succeeds in mastering the daunting task of tracing the link between law and theology in the Lutheran Reformation, with special attention to law. The task is accomplished with solid scholarship, presented in an engaging literary style."

Theology Today

"This wonderful book will be edifying for all those interested in the social impact of religious movements...[it] adds a much needed counterpoint to the unflattering story of Lutheranism told so often among academics in this country."

The Christian Century

"Witte's provocative and deeply insightful examination...probes theological and legal sources which have commanded too little attention in past analysis of the Reformation...This book replaces earlier studies of the subject."

Religious Studies Review

"Witte offers an important contribution to our understanding of the Reformation generally and confessionalism specifically.... A must for scholars of the Reformation or legal history. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates through practitioners."

Choice

"...well researched and superbly written by a scholar of considerable reputation... an eye opener..."

Journal of Church and State

"...provocative and rewarding..."

Law & Social Inquiry

Book Description

The Lutheran Reformation of the early sixteenth century brought about immense and far-reaching change in the structures of church and state, and in religious and secular ideas. This book investigates the relationship between the law and religious ideology in Luther's Germany, showing how they developed in response to the momentum of Lutheran teachings and influence. John Witte, Jr. argues that it is not enough to understand the Reformation in either only theological or legal terms but that a perspective is required which takes proper account of both.