wfn.org | 'Luther' DVD, VHS Available From Augsburg Fortress Nov. 30

[NEWS@ELCA.ORG]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

November 30, 2004

'Luther' DVD, VHS Available From Augsburg Fortress Nov. 30
04-224-CVD*/JB

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- "Luther," the big-screen historical biography of
one of the most controversial religious figures in history, is available
beginning Nov. 30 from Augsburg Fortress Publishers, the Minneapolis-based
publishing ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA),
according to a news release from the publisher.
     The motion picture, released in 2003, is available from Augsburg
Fortress on DVD at a special introductory price through December, the news
release said.  It is also available in the VHS format.
     In addition, the DVD or VHS tape, and the book "Martin Luther: A
Life," published by Augsburg Books, can be purchased as a package, the
publisher said.
     Born in 1483 in Eisleben, Germany, Luther was a pivotal founder of
the Protestant Reformation.  Luther became an Augustinian monk in 1505 and
was ordained a priest in 1507.	While he studied for a doctor of theology
degree, he discovered significant differences between what he read in the
Bible and the theology and practices of the Roman Catholic Church.  In
particular, Luther believed that the Scripture said faithful people are
saved by the grace of God and not by any specific things they may do to
earn salvation.  He objected to the Roman Catholic Church's practice of
the sale of indulgences.
     On October 31, 1517, Luther posted 95 theses (or challenges to the
Catholic Church).  Luther hoped the church would reform its practices, but
his action ignited a serious conflict. Those who followed his teachings
left the Roman Catholic Church.  His name became synonymous with the
followers of his teachings, and the word "Lutheran" is still part of the
names of several church bodies in the world today.
     Starring Joseph Fiennes, the film begins with Luther's vow to become
a monk and continues through his effort to spread religious freedom
throughout Europe.  The film was shot on location in Italy, the Czech
Republic and several sites in Germany.
     "Martin Luther: A Life," lends context and detail to Luther's life,
the Augsburg Fortress news release said. The Rev. James A. Nestingen,
professor of church history and recognized Luther scholar, Luther
Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., authored the book.
     Luther Seminary is one of eight ELCA seminaries.
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     *Carol Van Dyke is with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Minneapolis.

     Information about how to order "Luther" and "Martin Luther: A Life"
is at http://www.augsburgfortress.org on the Web.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news