COT-Classics Episode # 107 Reformation Tour 1996 Tape # 3 "The 95 Theses Yesterday And Today"

In this book, Bruce Barton presents Jesus in a unique light, depicting him as a robust and entrepreneurial individual who founded a world-conquering organization with a group of twelve hand-picked men. Barton argues that Jesus was a skilled executive, a master of advertising, and a sociable man who enjoyed life. The book challenges traditional depictions of Jesus as weak and effeminate, instead portraying him as a leader with muscles 'hard as iron' and a commanding presence. Written in 1925, the book was highly controversial but became one of the best-selling non-fiction books of the 20th century, offering insights into leadership, service, and personal awakening that remain relevant today.

Peter Wiener's "From Luther to Hitler" is a controversial book that argues a direct link between Martin Luther's ideas and the rise of Nazism. The book has been widely criticized for its selective use of sources and its misrepresentation of Luther's theological views. It presents a highly contentious interpretation of Luther's writings, suggesting that his anti-Semitic statements laid the groundwork for Hitler's persecution of the Jews. The book's conclusions have been challenged by numerous scholars who have pointed out the flaws in Wiener's methodology and his misinterpretations of historical context. Its impact has been primarily to fuel ongoing debates about Luther's legacy and the complexities of historical interpretation.

Gordon Rupp's "Martin Luther, Hitler's Cause or Cure" directly refutes the claims made in Peter Wiener's "From Luther to Hitler. " Rupp meticulously examines Wiener's arguments, exposing the flaws in his methodology and the misinterpretations of Luther's writings. The book provides a strong defense of Luther's theological positions and challenges the notion that he was a spiritual ancestor of Hitler. Rupp's work is considered a significant contribution to Reformation studies, offering a balanced and scholarly perspective on Luther's legacy. It serves as a crucial corrective to the misrepresentations and distortions that had been perpetuated by Wiener and others.

Gordon Rupp's "Luther's Progress to the Diet at Worms" is a scholarly work that examines Martin Luther's journey to the Diet of Worms, a pivotal moment in the Reformation. The book delves into the political and theological context of Luther's appearance before the Holy Roman Emperor, providing insights into the challenges and risks he faced. Rupp's work is known for its meticulous research and balanced presentation of historical events. It offers a detailed account of Luther's beliefs and his unwavering commitment to his convictions. The book is considered a valuable contribution to Reformation scholarship, providing a nuanced understanding of Luther's life and work.

This book is a monumental study based on extensive documentation, including testimony from Nazi leaders and concentration camp inmates, diaries of officials, transcripts of secret conferences, army orders, and private letters. Shirer spent five and a half years sifting through this massive documentation to create a definitive record of one of the most frightening chapters in human history. The book explores how Hitler's regime came to power, its impact on Germany and the world, and its eventual downfall. It is widely acclaimed as the definitive work on Nazi Germany and has won several awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction.

The Screwtape Letters is a Christian apologetic novel written in a satirical, epistolary style. It consists of 31 letters from Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to 'Our Father Below' (the Devil), to his nephew Wormwood, a novice demon tasked with securing the damnation of an ordinary young man. The letters provide advice on various methods of undermining God's influence and promoting abandonment of God, while offering insights into human nature and the Bible. The book is a profound and striking narrative on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil, highlighting the subtle forms of sin such as vanity, pride, and distraction that can lead humans away from God.