Forty years of in-depth research on Martin Luther's theology uniquely qualifies Oswald Bayer to present this comprehensive introduction to Luther's thought, written for those lacking an academic background in theology.Bayer's noteworthy study explores the basics of Luther's understanding of theology, discussing his response to the "philosophy of science" tradition, the formula by which he studied theology, and the basic philosophy that informed him. Bayer then takes Luther's stance on Christian dogmatics and ethics and applies it to our own theological understanding in the modern age. With such a complete Lutheran dogmatic concept -- the first of its kind offered -- the stunning inner consistency of Luther's theology and its ease of application to contemporary studies become unmistakably clear.