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HERE I STAND: A Life of Martin Luther Paperback – April 1, 1995

by Roland H. Bainton (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 358 ratings
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The authoritative, unforgettable biography of Martin Luther, the great religious leader, who entered a monastery as a youth and who, as a man, shattered the structure of the medieval church. Luther spoke out against the corrupt religious practices that then existed. His demanded that the authority for doctrine and practice be Scriptures, rather than Popes or Councils, echoed around the world and ignited the Great Reformation. Accused of heresy and threatened with excommunication and death, Luther maintained his bold stand and refused to recant. In his crusade to eliminate religious abuses, he did more than any other man to establish the Protestant faith.
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  1. Print length
    336 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Plume
  4. Publication date
    April 1, 1995
  5. Dimensions
    5.35 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0452011469
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0452011465
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Readers interested in a full biography of Luther should consult Roland Bainton's classic Here I Stand.”—Augustine J. Curley, Library Journal

About the Author

Roland H. Bainton was a Protestant church historian. He wrote more than thirty books on Christianity.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Plume (April 1, 1995)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0452011469
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0452011465
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.35 x 0.75 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 358 ratings

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Roland Herbert Bainton

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4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
358 global ratings
The Best and Clearest History of the Reformation
5 Stars
The Best and Clearest History of the Reformation
Like his lectures at Yale delivered to divinity students, Roland Bainton's expositions of the Protestant Reformation and the circumstance which led to it, and their implications for those living in the modern world, flow with clarity and the easy confidence of a scholar who knows his subject and how to make it understandable and relevant for believers and skeptics alike. Arguably, the best concise history of the revolution in the Christian Church which changed the world irrevocably.
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Top reviews from the United States

Dr. Kenyon B. De Greene
5.0 out of 5 stars One of History's Greatest Thinkers and Doers
Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2013
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A truly outstanding book re. depth and extensiveness of research, bibliography (rather than a list of references), summary Chronology, caliber of writing, forcefulness of points made, and illustrations (including numerous beautiful woodblocks). The book deservedly has sold millions of copies since it was first published over 50 years ago. The book's title comes from the concluding words (page 401): "Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen." I am not qualified to discuss and evaluate the principles and dogma of any religion. I am a systems scientist (v.i.) with a lifelong interest in history and historical geography. My emphasis here is upon the personality of Martin Luther and its interaction with the intensification of German nationalism. Luther did not intend to start a revolution, the Reformation. He intended to stimulate a debate, by posting in keeping with his Order's practice, his 95 theses onto the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in eastern Germany. However, his posting produced unexpected and far-reaching results. In systems theory, his action was a fluctuation operating in an unstable field at a critical threshold, thereby yielding structural change. In other words, Europe was ready to end the patterns that had dominated medieval life. Europe awaited the spark that ignites. I was stimulated to learn more about Martin Luther on hearing again the 4th movement, "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott!", of Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5 in D Minor. I've commented in several of my other reviews of books and music about my fascination with the interrelationship between political/military history and music. I interpret the Andante con Moto of the Movement as the force of the mighty Spanish Army of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (Carlos I of Spain). The Allegro maestoso that ends the symphony is of course Luther's stirring hymn, "Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott." Martin Luther further accelerated the sense of "feeling German" and the spread of German nationalism. The opponent was of course "Romanness." In terms of his personality, Luther was bipolar, characterized by recurrent periods of exaltation and depression--a series of crises followed by relative stability.Luther often suffered from panic and frightful insecurity. Torment, Luther said, was far worse than any physical ailment. Fortunately, nothing impaired his stupendous capacity for work, which often was a cure for depression. Luther suffered from insomnia, and often spent five days in bed until a physician gave him a sedative. Luther's persistent maladies presented a perpetual battle for faith. At times he felt guilty for being alive, while his followers were dying for the faith. He lost faith that God is good. He felt desperate and trembled. But (and I think this is true of all great people) great insights were due to great assaults. Revelation emerged out of excessive sensitivity. People who were predisposed to fall into despondency, followed by a rise into ecstasy, could view reality differently from ordinary folks. Luther felt his depressions were necessary--indeed, his whole life was a fight for faith! To dispel despondency, Luther especially recommended music (v.s.). He often asked himself, was he brave or cowardly. When in a particularly deep depression, he composed "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." In the book section entitled "A Measure of the Man." we learn that Luther called himself the German Prophet, that his influence on the home was great, that he did the work of more than five men, that his influence of the Church was worldwide, and that he believed that God is both All Terrible and All Merciful. Turning now to German Nationalism, Luther was recognized as "the Father of His Country" (p. 109). There were, however, other nationalists, including Ulrich von Hutten and Franz von Sickingen. Hutten did a lot to stimulate the concept of German nationalism, and the concept of the Ideal German, who should repel the enemies of the Fatherland. The first enemy to be repelled eas the Catholic Church. In the "Roman Trinity," he said three things are hateful to Rome: a general council, the reformation of the Church, and the opening of German eyes. For Rome he preyed for pestilence, famine, and war. And three things are sold in Rome: Christ, the priesthood, and women!! Luther resented the treatment of Germany like a cash cow. Luther wished that St. Peter's would lie in ashes rather than that Germany should be despoiled. Hutten's concept of the romantic German could be enriched by Luther's concept of the Mystical depth of a German soul that exceeded that of other people. Birth of "Deutschland ueber Alles"? And Germans should be rated above all those peole who despise the Germans. Hutten's problem: how to implement his program for the emancipation of Germany. The answer: Hutten's own class of knights. This may the birth and growth of the dominance of the aristocratic "von," a very significant feature of the history of Germany--and of Europe--until the end of World War I and even World War II. Sickingen proclaimed himself the protector of the oppressed and helped militarily to further Hutten's program. So as Bainton points out, we see the meeting of past and future--AND THE BEGINNING OF MODERN TIMES.Finally, at his hearing before Holy Roman Emperor Charles V at Worms, Luther referred to the incredible tyranny by which the German nation is being devoured. Luther said he could not escape his duty to his Germans. Martin Luther warned of releasing a deluge of wars!!
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EJ Ludwig
5.0 out of 5 stars A Breathtaking and Exciting Bio
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2008
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This book is written with intense, muscular prose, and oversees the life of a mighty thinker going through rough times for decades. Like the 16th century woodcuts that are depicted in illustrations throughout the work, the words seem to have a power that is more like an engraving or sculpture than passive tableau. The prose and mastery of complex theological, interpersonal, and historical issues gave me a reading experience I had not had since reading Allan Bullock's book on Hitler years ago.
One feels profoundly immersed in the realities of Luther's struggles, yet at the same time, feels the imponderable weight of God's Providence. How did he wrestle with so many deep issues yet have time to marry, have six children, have meetings with friends and students, survive debilitating ailments, rebound from intense persecutions, and maintain a vibrant -- though sometimes coarse -- perspective? As I read the volume, I marched with Bainton through the intense and densely troubled waters of theological and liturgical disputes.
Although I already in part knew the outcome;yet, at the same time, I was breathless: what would happen next? It was like watching those serial shows on TV years ago...what would happen to Flash Gordon in the next episode? So, I asked myself: how will Martin L. fare in the debate with Eck? How will he hold up before the Holy Roman Emperor? Will he survive the attacks on his life? What attitudes will he take towards other dissenting "Protestants?" It is a tribute to Prof. Bainton's narrative genius that I was brought into the "reality" of the times. In real life, we wonder: what will happen next -- especially with controversial actions that stir our deepest feelings.
This book is more than a biography. As I said above, it's also a woodcut and a memorable personal experience where we get to participate in Prof. Bainton's great exposition of the life of the irascible but beloved Doktor Luther.
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N. C. Moore
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book of a Great Man
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2014
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Briskly paced, exciting read. The scope of Luther's life is staggering. Should he not be considered the most influential figure of the last two millennia? I find it truly fantastic that God used a single man to up-end the religious, economic, social, and even artistic, climates of Europe. What remained untouched?

This is a good read. Though the first Lutheran biography I've read, I'm a little surprised at how highly this work is praised. Many other biographies that I've read are styled and narrated better. Perhaps this is because to understand Luther you must understand the development of Luther's thought worldview before you consider any of his life's consequences. Luther is ever quotable and thankfully Bainton doesn't shy away from a modest number of quotes including excerpts from sermons and Table Talk. The biography is generally balanced considering its only a 400 page book. Luther was a complex man, mostly balanced but not without contradiction. This biography takes on the same sense of proportion. Like most biographers, Bainton seems eager to praise and quick to move past shortcomings.

"Here I Stand" highlights the man's theology and his passion for truth yet Bainton doesn't to show the reader the trailheads of all that the Reformation brought about. At the end of the book the reader is treated to brief sections on Luther's preaching, his hymns, his prayers and his depression.

At times, I found Bainton's writing style a bit bland. Lutheran quotations provided frequent relief. In the hardback Hendrickson edition, more than 50 illustrations are included and serve to compliment rather than distract from the author's ideas.

The Reformation is nothing less than a rediscovery of the Bible and the Gospel. Luther is nothing less than the Father of the Reformation. This is a good book of a great man.
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Kay
5.0 out of 5 stars Inciteful understanding of the man, times period in history leading up to the reformation
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 25, 2022
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Historic narrative/biography increased my understanding of the man, fighting for the faith and the reformation.
Gave good incite into Luthers humble background, the influences of the culture of that time period, religious and politic strife and the revelation he had of scriptural truth that shaped and cemented not only his faith but his resolve to follow and stand on only the truth God has revealed in scripture and boldly fight against error.
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Kenneth Jackson
5.0 out of 5 stars The Human Luther
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2017
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I first read this book about fifty years ago when I was in grad school. I was moved then and am now by Bainton's portrayal of the 'human" Luther, of the relationship of Luther with Katie, his wife and of Luther's being surprised (awed) by seeing two blond braids on the pillow beside him when he woke in the morning. Bainton touched me deeply when he described Luther's response to the death of his young daughter, Magdelena. Luther's love for her was so deep and his agony at her death equally so .But, you know, I remember nothing from my previous reading of doctrinal arguments or alliances formed or of protectors stepping up. But here is the human Luther in all his basic German humanity.
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3.0 out of 5 stars Too detailed.
Reviewed in India on January 25, 2018
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The book is too detailed to be interesting to anyone but scholars of Christian theology. I couldn't finish the book at all.
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Jörg Waldeyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Biographie
Reviewed in Germany on March 2, 2016
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Gute Biographie, durchaus zu empfehlen. Zeigt den Lebens- und Wirkungsweg Luthers chronnlogisch in ansprechender Weise. Für Interessenten recht gut geeignet.
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David Mcclean
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read and learning material about Martin Luther
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2019
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Thought I knew about the Reformation but this book was a terrific read and I am now so much better informed.
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