Erwin Iserloh (1915–1996)

1608 The Theses Were Not Posted: Luther Between Reform and Reformation, by Erwin Iserloh English translation by Jared Wicks, S.J. (read 28 Dec 1980) This is an excellent and interesting book by a German professor which maintains (and easily convinces me) that Luther did not post the 95 theses on the castle church door at Wittenberg on 31 Oct 1517. The book was published in German in 1966 and the 2-page bibliography cites only German works. It bothers me that no one can really read up on an intriguing controversy like this unless he knows German. The meticulous attention to detail characteristic to German specialists I find very appealing, and I wish the volume were larger and included translations of the other articles written on the same subject. I also wonder what has been done on the subject in the last 15 years. The book shows that if the Bishop (Albrecht of Magdeburg) had reacted properly and decisively to Luther's position the Reformation and the evils flowing therefrom might have been avoided. I am also concerned that I have probably not read the 95 theses, nor an adequate discussion of the controversy. The most extensive reading on it by me has been in Pastor's account in his History of the Popes, and that is now 20 years ago. But what should one read? This book is too small and too specialized to tell me.… (más)