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Christine Helmer

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.

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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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Luther, the Bible, and Antijudaism - Part 1
Luther, the Bible, and Antijudaism - Part 2
Freedom: Self and Community - Part 1
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Freedom: Self and Community - Part 2
Religion and Politics: The Two Swords - Part 1
Religion and Politics: The Two Swords - Part 2

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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Reviews summary

Luther and the west: basic overview

learners say this straight forward basic class touches upon the basics of the subject. Students find the overview to be great. While no reviews explicitly mention lectures, students do mention the course provides a good overview

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
Covers fundamental knowledge necessary for understanding Luther's role in the Protestant Reformation.
Browse courses on Protestant Reformation
Show steps
  • 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
Provides a structured way to learn about Luther's lasting influence on Western culture and society.
Browse courses on Western Civilization
Show steps
  • 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
Reinforces key dates and events in Luther's life and their impact on the Protestant Reformation.
Show steps
  • Research Luther's life and major milestones
  • Organize the events in chronological order
  • Create a visual representation (e.g., a timeline chart or infographic)
Five other activities
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Show all eight activities
Discuss Luther's ideas with a study group
Fosters collaboration and enhances understanding through peer-to-peer learning.
Browse courses on Religious Studies
Show steps
  • 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
Provides a comprehensive overview of Martin Luther's life and his impact on the Protestant Reformation.
Show steps
  • 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
Develops the ability to understand and analyze Luther's complex theological writings.
Show steps
  • 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
Provides an opportunity to demonstrate understanding and critical thinking while honing writing skills.
Show steps
  • 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
Develops critical thinking and writing skills while deepening understanding of Luther's complex ideas.
Browse courses on Political Theory
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected 19 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Luther and the West.
This biography of Martin Luther provides a comprehensive overview of his life and work, giving context to the ideas discussed in the course.
This comprehensive overview of the Protestant Reformation provides a detailed account of Luther's role and the broader historical context of his ideas.
This collection of primary sources from Luther's time offers a firsthand account of the religious and intellectual climate in which he lived.
Examines Luther's understanding of freedom and its implications for modern societies, building upon the course's discussion of freedom and community.
This concise overview of the Protestant Reformation provides essential background information for understanding Luther's role in the movement.
This exploration of Luther's understanding of freedom and bondage complements the course's discussion of the idea of freedom.
Explores the complex relationship between religion and politics, providing a nuanced framework for understanding the dynamics discussed in the course's third section.
This examination of Luther's doctrine of the two kingdoms adds depth to the course's exploration of religion and politics.
This comprehensive biography of Martin Luther provides a comprehensive account of his life, thought, and influence, offering valuable background knowledge for the course.
This classic work on Luther's theology offers a comprehensive overview of his thought, complementing the course's exploration of key themes.
This multi-volume work offers a comprehensive overview of the Reformation, providing a broad historical context for the course's exploration of Luther's ideas.
Provides a detailed account of the development of Lutheranism in Germany, offering insights into the historical context of Luther's ideas.
This collection of documents provides primary source material for understanding the development of Lutheran theology in the years after Luther's death.
This analysis of the relationship between Lutheranism and the political order adds depth to the course's discussion of religion and politics.
This exploration of Luther's doctrine of vocation complements the course's discussion of freedom and self-understanding.
This narrative history of the Reformation provides a broader context for understanding Luther's role in the movement.

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