Luther and the West from Coursera

In this course we will discuss the history of some ideas that have been hugely influential in the modern west and that were taken out to the rest of the world. The discussion centers on an extraordinary and historically important figure, a sixteenth century German man named Martin Luther. Luther is recognized today as the originator of many of the most significant ideas that continue to affect and shape who we as modern people are and how we see the world and ourselves for better and for worse.

In the first section, we will explore why Luther thought the Bible was the most important volume for everyone to have and read. Included here will be a careful consideration of Luther's anti-Judaism, which contributed to western antisemitism and some of the greatest horrors of the twentieth century.

In the second section, we will talk about the idea of freedom and how Luther's understanding of freedom in Christ affected the way modern thinkers understood what it means to be human in community. Important in this section is the consequential contradiction between freedom and slavery in western thought and their co-existence in western societies.

The third section will be all about the many complicated relations between religion and politics.

NOTE: Students wishing to sign up for free access to all instructional course content should click on the "Sign-In" button in the upper right hand corner. Those who wish to take the course and complete a certificate that requires payment, please click the Enroll button on the left side of this page.

What's inside

Syllabus

Luther, the Bible, and Antijudaism - Part 1

Luther, the Bible, and Antijudaism - Part 2

Freedom: Self and Community - Part 1

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops strong foundational knowledge of Christian theology and its history

Examines Christian theology through a historical lens, providing context and understanding of its evolution

Taught by Christine Helmer, a renowned scholar in the study of Christian theology

Offers a comprehensive study of Christian theology, covering its origins, core beliefs, and key figures

Provides a deep dive into the historical development of Christian theology and its major movements

Reviews summary

Luther's enduring impact on the west

According to learners, this course offers a deep and thought-provoking examination of Martin Luther's significant influence on Western thought. Many students found the lectures to be engaging and well-delivered, covering critical topics like the Bible, freedom, and the complex relationship between religion and politics. The course does not shy away from difficult subjects, including Luther's anti-Judaism and its historical impact, which some reviewers found challenging but necessary. While some felt the material was dense or required prior knowledge, others appreciated the in-depth historical and intellectual context provided. Overall, students report gaining a rich understanding of Luther's enduring legacy and its complexities.

Addresses difficult subjects like anti-Judaism.

"I appreciated that the course did not gloss over Luther's anti-Judaism, difficult as it was."

"The discussion of the links between freedom and slavery was thought-provoking."

"Some parts, like the section on anti-Judaism, felt uncomfortable and perhaps not handled with full sensitivity."

Lectures are well-structured and easy to follow.

"The professor's lectures were engaging and made complex ideas accessible."

"I found the video lectures held my attention well."

"The way the material was presented in the lectures was excellent."

Offers a comprehensive look at Luther's impact.

"This course provided a truly deep dive into Luther's ideas and their lasting impact on the West."

"I gained a much richer understanding of the historical context than I expected."

"The exploration of freedom and religion/politics was particularly insightful."

Can be challenging or require some prior knowledge.

"I felt that having some background in history or theology would have been helpful."

"The concepts discussed were quite dense at times."

"This course is not a light introduction; it delves deeply into the subject."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Luther and the West with these activities:

Review the main concepts of the Protestant Reformation

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Covers fundamental knowledge necessary for understanding Luther's role in the Protestant Reformation.

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Review lecture notes or textbooks on the Protestant Reformation
Identify the key causes, events, and figures of the movement

Explore Luther's impact on Western thought

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Provides a structured way to learn about Luther's lasting influence on Western culture and society.

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Watch online documentaries or videos on Luther's impact
Read articles and books by scholars on Luther's legacy
Discuss Luther's ideas with others in online forums or study groups

Compile a timeline of Luther's life and key events

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Reinforces key dates and events in Luther's life and their impact on the Protestant Reformation.

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Research Luther's life and major milestones
Organize the events in chronological order
Create a visual representation (e.g., a timeline chart or infographic)

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Discuss Luther's ideas with a study group

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Fosters collaboration and enhances understanding through peer-to-peer learning.

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Join or form a study group with other learners
Select topics or passages from Luther's works to discuss
Engage in critical analysis and respectful dialogue with group members

Read 'Luther: A Life' by Lyndal Roper

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Martin Luther's life and his impact on the Protestant Reformation.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key ideas and events
Identify the main arguments and contributions of Luther's thought
Compare and contrast Luther's ideas with those of other major reformers

Practice interpreting Luther's writings

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Develops the ability to understand and analyze Luther's complex theological writings.

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Select a passage from Luther's works and read it carefully
Identify the key theological concepts and themes
Analyze the language and style of Luther's writing

Participate in a Luther-themed essay contest

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Provides an opportunity to demonstrate understanding and critical thinking while honing writing skills.

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Research and select a topic related to Luther's life or teachings
Develop a well-supported argument and articulate your ideas clearly
Submit your essay and participate in the contest

Write a paper on Luther's views on freedom and authority

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Develops critical thinking and writing skills while deepening understanding of Luther's complex ideas.

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Research Luther's writings on freedom and authority
Analyze Luther's arguments and their implications
Develop a clear and well-organized thesis
Write a paper that presents your findings and analysis

Career center

Learners who complete Luther and the West will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Religious Studies Teacher

Religious Studies Teachers teach about religion and religious traditions. They may work in public or private schools, and typically require a master's degree in religious studies, theology, or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Religious Studies Teachers by providing a deep understanding of the history of Christianity and its influence on the modern West.

See salaries and explore the career path for Religious Studies Teacher

Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past by studying historical documents and sources. They typically work in academia, museums, or government agencies, and typically require a PhD in history or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Historians who specialize in European history or the history of Christianity.

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Theologian

Theologians study the nature of God, religion, and spirituality. They typically work in academia, religious institutions, or non-profit organizations, and typically require a PhD in theology or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Theologians by providing a deep understanding of the history of Christianity and its influence on the modern West.

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Minister

Ministers provide religious and spiritual guidance to individuals and communities. They typically work in churches, synagogues, or other religious institutions, and typically require a master's degree in divinity or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Ministers by providing a deep understanding of the history of Christianity and its influence on the modern West.

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Rabbi

Rabbis provide religious and spiritual leadership to Jewish communities. They typically work in synagogues or other Jewish institutions, and typically require a master's degree in rabbinical studies or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Rabbis by providing a deep understanding of the history of Christianity and its influence on the modern West, as well as the history of antisemitism.

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Priest

Priests provide religious and spiritual guidance to Catholic communities. They typically work in churches or other Catholic institutions, and typically require a master's degree in divinity or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Priests by providing a deep understanding of the history of Christianity and its influence on the modern West.

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Professor of European History

Professors of European History teach and research the history of Europe. They typically work in academia, and typically require a PhD in European history or a related field. Luther and the West can help build a foundation for Professors of European History by providing a deep understanding of the history of Christianity and its influence on the modern West.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor of European History

Archivist

Archivists collect, preserve, and manage historical documents and other materials. They typically work in libraries, museums, or other institutions, and typically require a master's degree in library science or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Archivists who specialize in religious history or the history of Christianity.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators plan and manage exhibitions and collections in museums and other cultural institutions. They typically require a master's degree in museum studies or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Museum Curators who specialize in religious history or the history of Christianity.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and use information. They typically work in libraries, schools, or other institutions, and typically require a master's degree in library science or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Librarians who specialize in religious history or the history of Christianity.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. They typically work for newspapers, magazines, or other media outlets, and typically require a bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Journalists who specialize in religious history or the history of Christianity.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. They typically work in private law firms, government agencies, or corporations, and typically require a Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Luther and the West may be useful for Lawyers who specialize in religious law or the history of Christianity.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people cope with personal and social problems. They typically work in social service agencies, schools, or other institutions, and typically require a master's degree in social work or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Social Workers who specialize in working with religious communities or who are interested in the history of Christianity.

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Counselor

Counselors provide guidance and support to individuals and families. They typically work in schools, mental health clinics, or other institutions, and typically require a master's degree in counseling or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Counselors who specialize in working with religious communities or who are interested in the history of Christianity.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They typically work in public or private schools, and typically require a bachelor's degree in education or a related field. Luther and the West may be useful for Teachers who teach history, religious studies, or social studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher