Luther in Norwegian

Abstract

Abstract: The article traces the translation history of Luther's texts into Norwegian. Until their independence in 1814, the Norwegians became acquainted with Luther through Danish translations. His Small Catechism dominated the reception, mainly due to the Pietist school reform of the 1730s. Hymns and sermons from the Church Postil were important genres in the nineteenth century, but also major works such as Luther's Genesis Lectures and his Galatian commentary appeared in Norwegian. Many of these were translated by conservative theologians, who wanted to preserve Lutheran roots. In the twentieth century, the picture is less clear, but Luther was used in the ongoing battle over the legacy of liberal theology before World War II. The most important publication came as a six-volume edition at the Reformer's 500th birthday, a selection of mostly early writings of Luther, albeit with some texts from his later years.