Luther book shortlisted for top award

Dr Mark Worthing’s book, Martin Luther: A Wild Boar in the Lord’s Vineyard, has been shortlisted for the 2018 Australian Christian Book of the Year.

Dr Mark, who serves as pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church, North Adelaide, said he was surprised when he learned of his nomination.

‘It’s an honour just to be shortlisted’, he said. ‘The book has been well-received and I think it’s good for the Lutheran church because it raises awareness of Luther and the Reformation.’

Martin Luther: A Wild Boar in the Lord’s Vineyard tells the story of Luther’s eventful life in 32 short chapters. It was published just before the 500th anniversary of the Reformation last year.

Dr Mark was inspired to write the book because he thought it would be good to circulate a more readable publication about the life of Luther, especially for those who don’t know much about him. ‘So many other books have been very academic and people get lost, so I wanted to write a modern-style biography’, he said.

Dr Mark’s book is one of 10 shortlisted for the 2018 Australian Christian Book of the Year, with the winner to be announced at this year’s SparkLit Awards Night in Melbourne on 16 August. The award recognises and encourages excellence in Australian Christian writing.