A Treatise on Good Works

"A Treatise on Good Works" by Martin Luther is a religious text that challenges the traditional views on what makes actions good in the Christian faith during the Reformation. Luther argues that doing rituals and religious practices isn't enough to please God, so, instead, he claims real good works come from believing in God and following his commands. He believed in guiding people towards true spiritual understanding instead of just going through the motions. His ideas sparked new discussions around morality and righteousness. The book opens with Luther explaining his role as a pastor, that his writings come from a duty to guide his followers towards true spiritual understanding. He reflects on his own journey and the ideas that led him to believe that good works must come from faith, not just from following rules. Luther wants to make it clear that good works aren't just about doing easy or showy things, and he uses the Ten Commandments to show believers how they can show their faith in their everyday lives.