The Bondage of the Will

by Martin Luther
The Bondage of the Will cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Religion and Theology
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  • ID: 2337
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-15
  • ISBN: 9781878442512
  • Publisher: Sovereign Grace Publishers,
  • Published: 2001-09-01
  • Reviews: 4

The Bondage of the Will is a profound exploration of Martin Luther's theological beliefs, particularly his stance on free will and grace. Luther argues that the doctrine of the bondage of the will is the cornerstone of the Gospel and the foundation of faith, asserting that any evangelist who advocates free will has not comprehended the Gospel at all. This work is not just an academic exercise but a passionate defense of the Biblical doctrine of grace, which Luther sees as essential for understanding the Gospel and coming to faith in God. Translated by Henry Cole in 1823, this edition of The Bondage of the Will delves into Luther's unyielding stance against the Roman Catholic hierarchy, who attempted to silence him for his radical ideas. Luther's famous declaration, 'Here I stand, I can do no other,' encapsulates his unwavering commitment to his beliefs. The book is a testament to Luther's influence, with more books written about him than any other person except Jesus Christ, highlighting his pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-15
Powerful 4.00

This book is Luther's response to Erasmus's 'Diatribe on Free Will,' written in his direct and unique style, combining deep spirituality with humor.

Luther's 'The Bondage of the Will' is a theological argument that stands out for its unique blend of deep spirituality and humor. The book is a response to Erasmus's 'Diatribe on Free Will' and showcases Luther's ability to tackle complex theological topics with both depth and wit. Readers will find Luther's style engaging and thought-provoking, making this a compelling read for those interested in theological debates.

Quick quotes

    combining deep spirituality with humor

    Luther's direct and unique style

    theological gold mine that every Christian should read

Ligonier · 2025-05-29
Profound 4.50

It is hard to sum up The Bondage of the Will succinctly, because it is so rich with Luther's whole theology.

This article from Ligonier emphasizes the richness and depth of Luther's theology in 'The Bondage of the Will.' The reviewer finds the book to be a comprehensive representation of Luther's theological thought, making it a valuable read for those seeking to understand his views on free will and grace. The richness of the content makes it a challenging but rewarding read.

Quick quotes

    rich with Luther's whole theology

    theological gold mine that every Christian should read

    compellingly argued, and deeply affirming

The Classical Thistle · 2017-10-31
insightful 4.50

The book presents a thorough and organized argument against Erasmus' work, highlighting Luther's unique style of combining deep spirituality with humor. The reviewer appreciates the clarity and depth of Luther's refutation.

The reviewer finds The Bondage of the Will to be a comprehensive and well-structured response to Erasmus' Diatribe on Free Will. They particularly admire Luther's ability to blend deep theological insights with a touch of humor, making the argument both compelling and engaging. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the theological debate on free will and predestination, offering a clear and persuasive perspective.

Quick quotes

    Luther's response to Erasmus is thorough, organized, and compelling.

    Luther's unique style combines deep spirituality with humor.

    The Bondage of the Will is a significant contribution to the theological debate on free will and predestination.

Ben Zornes · Ben Zornes · 2017-02-20
affirming 4.75

The book is described as wonderful and deeply affirming of the reformed position on free will and predestination. The reviewer finds the argument compelling and well-articulated.

Ben Zornes finds The Bondage of the Will to be a deeply affirming read for those who hold to the reformed position on free will and predestination. They praise Luther's compelling arguments and the depth of his theological insights. The book is seen as a powerful defense of the doctrine of predestination, making it a must-read for those interested in this theological debate.

Quick quotes

    This really was wonderful, and deeply affirming of the reformed position on free-will/predestination.

    It is compellingly argued, and deeply affirming.

    Luther's arguments are powerful and well-articulated.

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