The last two elements which go to make up a theologian are, for Luther, careful and constant reading, and a practical knowledge of the academic disciplines. This last can be dealt with quickly: essentially, Luther saw a good, rounded academic education as important for being a good pastor and...

The fourth element of the making of a true theologian for Luther is occasio . This is not the easiest word to translate in context but means something like `opportunity' or `opportune moment.' As such, it is not immediately obvious to a newcomer to Luther's theology what he means. Is it the...

OK, as we enter the fourth post in this series, I am conscious it might be starting to look a bit like one of those oh-so-godly-but-goodness-me-aren't-they-dull-as-ditchwater series one finds occasionally in reformed magazines, with titles such as `Reflections on the Life of That Eminent Servant of...

OK, as we enter the fourth post in this series, I am conscious it might be starting to look a bit like one of those oh-so-godly-but-goodness-me-aren't-they-dull-as-ditchwater series one finds occasionally in reformed magazines, with titles such as `Reflections on the Life of That Eminent Servant of...