Imagine pulling up a chair to the Luther family table after a fine dinner.

Imagine being invited to ask Martin Luther questions about . . . almost anything.

Imagine Luther talking about his early life, his education, his decision to become a monk, his rediscovery of the gospel, his attacks on scholasticism and the papacy, his journey to the Diet of Worms where he was ordered tobut refused torecant his teaching, his marriage to Katherine von Bora, and much more.

Because Luthers friends took notes of many private conversations around the Luther family table, you dont have to imagine Luthers answers. This newly abridged edition of Martin Luthers Table Talk serves up a rich sampling of Luthers wide ranging thoughts on biblical exposition, doctrinal teaching, ministry, the church and the sacraments, pastoral counsel, and life as a Christian. You will also learn much about the political, economic and social world that Luther lived ina world unlike our own.

The theological convictions of Luther and other early reformers that shaped the Reformation are often referred to as The Five Pillars of the ReformationWord alone, Faith alone, Grace alone, Christ alone, and Glory to God alone. In the table talks in this volume, you will find these themes woven over and over again into the mealtime conversations around Luthers table. Pull up a chair and spend some time with the great reformer.

This volume provides access to selections from Martin Luthers Table Talk, Volume 54 of Luthers Works.

Editor Henry F. French has carefully chosen some of the best of Luthers conversations with many guests who frequented the dinner table in the home of Martin and Katie Luther.