A Study of Martin Luther's View of Historical Development and Order

The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether Martin Luther's alleged struggle to re-establish a timeless and pure Christian faith and church was contrary to the concept of development in history. By reading many of Luther's written works on biblical interpretation and theological controversy, and also by consulting his most recent biographers, this writer has come to the conclusion that Luther, while seeking to establish a church free from doctrinal errors, was not interested in freezing history at one certain spot. While stressing that the Christian faith and doctrine should not change, he believed that the way it presents itself to the human race has changed with the passage of time in accordance with God's will.