Martin Luther's monastic existence raises the question as to how these two characteristics, monasticism and Reformation, are to be seen. The authors of this volume pose this question historically in view of Luther's own monastic existence in comparison with traditional, contemporary and later developments. However, it must also be regarded from a practical theological and sociological perspective in view of the parishes and communities within Protestantism. The authors explain the various aspects of this relationship throughout the centuries, from the Reformation up to the present time.
