Andreas Loewe and Katherine Firth elucidate Luther’s theory and practice of the arts to reach audiences and convince them of his Reformation message using a range of strategies, including music, images and drama.

In autumn 2016 exhibitions commemorating the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther?s Reformation will be shown in the American cities of Minneapolis, New York, and Atlanta. They offer a comprehensive picture of the life and work of Martin Luther, his Reformation, its cultural-historical context and lasting impact. Their focus is on unique exhibits from authentic places of Luther?s life and the history of the Reformation.0This volume is a companion to the multifaceted exhibitions. In 50 essays by general as well as church and art historians, culture and mentality historians, archaeologists as well as economic and social historians, it presents state-of-the-art research on the Reformation. The scope of topics ranges from Martin Luther?s geographical and ideological origins to Lutherans in America. New light is shed on the most important events and issues of Reformation history as well as its art historical and cultural context. The essays are supplemented by 18 innovative maps and infographics with background information?in some cases presenting important developments and networks in this manner for the first time.

Martin Luther's conception of the Nativity found expression in sermon, song, and art. This beautiful gift edition of a classic collection combines all three.

What does art have to do with faith? For many Christians, paintings, films, music, and other forms of art are simply used for wall decoration, entertaining distraction, or worshipful devotion. But what if the arts played a more prominent role in the Christian life? In Discovering God through the Arts, discover how the arts can be tools for faith-building, life-changing spiritual formation for all Christians. Terry Glaspey, author of 75 Masterpieces Every Christian Should Know, examines: How the arts assist us in prayer and contemplation How the arts help us rediscover a sense of wonder How the arts help us deal with emotions How the arts aid theological reflection and so much more. Let your faith be enriched, and discover how beauty and creativity can draw you nearer to the ultimate Creator.

Lucas Cranach the Elder, Martin Luther & the Art of the Reformation examines the collaboration between the revolutionary leader of the Reformation and one of the great artists of early modern Germany, his friend and supporter, Lucas Cranach the elder. On the 500th anniversary of Luther's 95 Theses, this book examines the nature of art and image-making in the context of Reformation iconoclasm and the tradition of Catholic Renaissance art in the North. It focuses on Luther's Doctrine of Justification, which states the path of salvation lies in faith alone, and how it shaped the religious art that helped spread his new vision of Christianity.

Lutheran theology and religious practice re-shaped traditions from the ritual heritage of the Medieval Latin Church. Throughout the cultural history of European Lutheran areas, what came to be seen as "the arts" may be discussed in the light of changing Lutheran traditions: the cultural heritage of Martin Luther. This volume presents a collection of 9 essays on Lutheran traditions and the arts within the 500 years since the Reformation, as a special issue of the journal Transfiguration. This issue has been planned in connection with the Tenth International Congress for Luther Research hosted at the Department of Church History, University of Copenhagen.

Many contemporary theologians seek to retrieve the concept of beauty as a way for people to encounter God. This groundbreaking book argues that while Martin Luther's view of beauty has often been ignored or underappreciated, it has much to contribute to that quest. Mark Mattes, one of today's leading Lutheran theologians, analyzes Luther's theological aesthetics and discusses its implications for music, art, and the contemplative life. Mattes shows that for Luther, the cross is the lens through which the beauty of God is refracted into the world.