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In 1516 Martin Luther discovered and published this work by an anonymous fourteenth-century German author who focuses on the 'divine life,' which is directed or guided by the 'true light' of God. Although unknown, the author is thought to have been a member of a pious cult known as the Friends of God. Distinguished for their belief in the presence of God's spirit in all Christians, laity and clergy alike, this secret association carefully observed all the precepts of the church. Their chief doctrines consisted of self-renunciation--the complete submission of self-will to the will of God--and the continuous activity of God in all believers. They further maintained a conviction in the possibility of an intimate union between God and humans and denied the value of religions based on fear or the hope of reward. The Theologia Germanica of Martin Luther offers an abundance of insightful spiritual advice, written in simply language and relevant to all Christian denominations. This edition also features an informative historical introduction by Susanna Winkworth.
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