On Luther´s Contribution to Christianity

Abstract

The author analyzes the religious situation in the XVIth century in Europe during Martin Luther´s time, his writings, the questions he raises about this situation, about his religiousness and the critical reactions all this created. The author centers his study on the negativity of the theological anthropology of Luther in his “Theology of the Cross”, and on his criteria to interpret the Holy Scriptures. He then passes to reassess Luther in the Catholic theology today helped by accounts of some theologians. Finally, he stresses positive aspects like Luther´s love for the Word and, other negative, like his individualism in the interpretation of the very same Word.