Theology of the Reformers

If anyone would feel like the greatness of sin he would not be able to go on living another moment; so great is the power of sin. (68)

If you believe, then you have it [justification]! (70)

Thus spake Martin Luther.  Such quotes and ideas (and fine, scholarly, accessible analysis of those quotes and ideas) abound in Timothy George's 1988 book Theology of the Reformers.  George devotes a chapter each to Luther, Zwingli, Calvin, and Menno Simmons.  Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin always make the list of the most important magisterial Reformers, so it's no surprise that they got their own chapters.  Menno is included because of the historical importance for Anabaptism and the Radical Reformation.

Truth be told, though, I would have been just as happy if the book was only on Calvin and Luther.  The other two are immensely important for historical reasons.  Theologically, on the other hand, Zwingli and Menno Simmons just can't measure up to Luther and Calvin (and that's in no way meant to be a shot against Zwingli and Simmons; hardly anybody in the history of the church can measure up to those two).

Perhaps my enjoyment of the book lies mostly in my fondness for Reformation theology.  For example, take this anecdote from a debate between Luther and Erasmus on the doctrine of predestination:

"Let God be good," cried Erasmus the moralist. "Let God be God," replied Luther the theologian. (77)

The doctrines of the Reformation (of which predestination is only a part) are perpetually urgent for the church and for the world.  That's why I'm thankful for books like this.  I'm sure there are more up-to-date books on the Reformation than this one.  But surely not many are better.