Michelle DeRusha - Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk

Strip away the veneer of the differences between the Luthers marriage and the typical modern marriage of today, and what shines forth is a picture of what God has always intended marriage to be: an obedience to him and to each other that glorifies him and is a picture of Christs relationship to the church.

From the foreword by Karen Swallow Prior , professor of English, Liberty University

Those who read this book not only will be rewarded with a detailed account of one of the most fascinating marriages in history, but also will be introduced to the customs, cultural context, and historical significance of Katharina and Martin Luthers life together. Though I had often studied Luther, I had no idea of the opposition he and Katie received when they chose to marry and the harassment Katie received as a widow. No wonder it is sometimes said that the impact of this marriage was as great in the social sphere as the Ninety- five Theses in the religious sphere. Here is a story of a growing love accompanied by sorrow, the joys of marriage, and faith in Gods providence. These well-researched pages are filled with unexpected treasures.

Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer , pastor emeritus, Moody Church, Chicago

When Martin Luther wrote his Ninety- five Theses , he famously charted a new course for the church. He couldnt have known, however, how his stance would eventually lead him to marry a former nun named Katharina. In Katharina and Martin Luther , Michelle DeRusha gives us a fascinating peek into the Luthers individual lives, their theological wrestlings, and an unexpected partnership that redefined yet another biblical institutionChristian marriage. The Luthers, through DeRushas masterful portrayal, remind us again and again how the grace of Christ truly affects all of life.

Christine Hoover , author of From Good to Grace and Messy Beautiful Friendship

This is a powerful book, not only for a pastor and his wife but for everyone who wants to get behind the scenes of Luthers life and ministry in Reformation Germany. What a dedicated woman Katharina was! She and Luther were almost strangers on their wedding day, but he soon learned how skillful she was in cooking, teaching, handling money, nursing the sick (he himself had many ailments), and teaching children. I promise that this book will hold your attention and open your eyes.

Warren W. Wiersbe , author; former pastor of Moody Church, Chicago

Though Ive been a Christian for over thirty years, I admit I didnt know a lot about Martin Luther and even less about his wife, Katharina. We owe Michelle DeRusha a debt of gratitude for her impressive commitment to tell the story of their unlikely marriage. This book is a gift for believers everywhere, a reminder of how the transformational grace of God can leave a lasting and unforgettable legacy.

Emily P. Freeman , author of Simply Tuesday

Martin Luther had a wife? We forgetif we ever knewthis important part of the great mans life. In so doing we miss what C. S. Lewis called the clean sea breeze of the centuries, the vital lessons and inspiration we need from the past. Michelle DeRusha helps us restore what we have lost.

Stephen Mansfield , author of Ask the Question ; founder of The Mansfield Group

This is no dusty, dry-bones textbook tale. Michelle DeRusha masterfully pulls back the curtain on a revolution lit by conviction and sustained through tragedy and scandal. Equal parts history, destiny, and rogue love story, Katharina and Martin Luther is a testament to the power of surrender, a necessary reminder that the future is shaped where courage and truth collide.

Shannan Martin , author of Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted

As a Lutheran, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the Luthers. Was I ever wrong. This book is a fascinating, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most well-known Christians couples of all time. Its well researched but entirely accessible. This is the Luthers story, but in important ways, its the story of all of us. I highly recommend this captivating book.

Jennifer Dukes Lee , author of The Happiness Dare