Opening the Door to Luther

In 1520 Pope Leo X referred to Martin Luther (the man whose 95 theses, hammered to the door of Wittenberg's Castle Church on October 31, 1517, suggested that the Roman Catholic Church was due for a serious theological tune-up) as "a wild boar," which would seem a bit harsh were it not for the fact that Luther tended to give as good as he got in the area of name-calling, referring to the Pope as none other than the "antichrist." In this informative and entertaining biographical history lesson/travelogue, noted TV travel personality Rick Steves takes viewers on a fact-filled tour of key places in the life of the primary figure of the Protestant Reformation, including Luther's birthplace (and final resting place) Eisleben; Wittenberg, where he held a university teaching post; and Worms, site of Luther's trial ("I cannot and I will not recant"), among other German towns and cities. Viewers will learn that Luther was an earthy man (fond of beer), who was intolerant of Jews and given to depression, but also a man of faith who openly fought the Holy Roman Church's precepts relating to the sale of indulgences and relics ("God's forgiveness cannot be bought like a sack of potatoes"). A fine choice for both religious and travel collections, this is warmly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)