Martin Luther as Comforter: Writings on Death

What was Martin Luther’s teaching regarding death, and to what extent did his own fears of and experiences with death manifest themselves in his writings? What influence did the medieval preoccupation with a ‘good death’ have upon him? How did Luther counsel those facing death-to meet it with acceptance, or resistance, or both? Using meticulous rhetorical analysis of select sermons, pamphlets, and letters of consolation, this book examines how Luther offered comfort to those who were facing their own death or who were coming to terms with the death of loved ones. Thus the book makes an important contribution to existing scholarship on Luther and the formation of an early modern Protestant ethos surrounding death, bereavement, and burial.