Luther's Works, Volume 1 (Genesis Chapters 1-5)

This is the first entry in the mammoth Luther's Works, containing lectures on Genesis chapters 1 to 5. I skimmed it all in one night and was impressed at Luther's literal interpretation of the Bible. After each passage in the Bible, Luther gives commentary. Straight through to the fifth chapter in Genesis. A sort of obscure series, but I like it.

This is perhaps the best commentary I have yet read (I haven't had the chance to read any of Calvin's yet, so I can't compare them). If only someone today would write an up to date commentary with the same style as Luther. I think what I liked best was how Luther explained how each idea related to philosophical thoughts, esp. how they related to Aristotle's ideas. If there were a modern commentary which did that, I would be very pleased. Unfortunately, many of Luther's views are out of date. Here are just a few that I found humorous: 1. Luther thought the sun was revolving around the earth, and since things that move fast get hot, Luther was worried that the sun would start on fire. 2. Luther claimed that birds fell dead in the ocean in the winter, and were raised to life in the spring (which he used as evidence for the resurrection) 3. Luther claimed three living things as signs of the Fall: flies (which I can understand), butterflies, and toads (couldn't he have thought of something worse that butterflies and toads?). He also claimed that toads were vicious, and that butterflies were an abomination, both of which were obviously created after the Fall to torment mankind. Those are just a few of the things that had me rolling with laughter while reading this book. On a serious note though, Luther does provide some excellent Scripture interpretation, and this is a very fine commentary which I think is well worth the read. In addition to this, Luther's commentary gives a great insight into how theologians in his time thought, and what they had to work with.