Buchwald, Georg
"Die evangelische Kirche im Jahrhundert der Reformation" by D. Georg Buchwald is a historical account written in the early 20th century. Commissioned for schools and congregations, it presents a plainly told, devotional overview of the Protestant Reformation, centering on Martin Luther while also treating other reformers and the spread of the Evangelical movement across Europe. The focus is on how Scripture, preaching, worship, and church life were reshaped, with Luther’s life and work providing the core narrative.The opening of Die evangelische Kirche im Jahrhundert der Reformation contrasts late medieval church abuses with the New Testament’s teaching, then begins a brisk, edifying life of Martin Luther: his humble upbringing in Mansfeld and Eisenach, support from the Cotta household, studies at Erfurt, spiritual anxiety and monastic vow, and stern early years in the Augustinian order under Johann Staupitz’s guidance. It follows his move to Wittenberg, sobering visit to Rome, and the breakthrough to justification by faith through Scripture. The narrative then recounts the indulgence trade (especially Tetzel’s preaching), Luther’s 95 Theses, debates and papal opposition, the bull-burning, and his resolute stance at the Diet of Worms before his protective seclusion on the Wartburg. There he begins the German Bible translation; returning, he reforms worship and fosters congregational song, introducing powerful hymns and tunes with collaborators like Johann Walther. The excerpt…
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