Introduction to Luther's Theology in Global Context

Luther's theology has for the past two centuries been interpreted in the categories of German Protestant thought. As the paradigmatic ‘Reformer’, however, Luther transcends the geographical and historical restrictions of his own sixteenth-century German context, so that his person and work emerge as inspirations of freedom in global context. This essay looks at Luther's theology of freedom by treating its reception in distinct contexts. The particularities of freedom as ‘justification’ spoken by ‘the word’ is a characteristic feature of German Protestantism. Freedom is interpreted in its Nordic and North American contexts in less ‘word-focused’ and more philosophical-theological concepts as well as in complex dialogue with late medieval thought. Contemporary feminist and liberation theologians take Luther's message into the global context of oppression and violence, seeing in Luther constructive potential for addressing economic and political injustice. The ‘global Luther’ opens up new possibilities for understanding Luther's theology in terms of experience, emotions, and reason.