Charles Beard: "Martin Luther:" Ch. 8--Luther and Latin Theology, 395ff.

Mr. Beard besots his volume by noting the necessity and glory of having Roman authority (on utilitarian and mystical grounds) while co-equaling the value of “free voluntary association” folks. A cheap binary exposition. Not a single confession is in sight. Poorly catechetized. It’s horrifically bad theology, exegesis and an horrible misrepresentation of the last half of the 16th century (which he likewise extols). Post-Trent, the 1588 Spanish invasion, and the Thirty-Years Wars? Mr. Beard, give it up. (395-405). A 19th century man extolling itself/himself--of the progressivist school destroyed by two World Wars--and the post-critical hermeneutic, with obscurantizing features amidst other lucidities. Theological malpractice. The last few paragraphs ruined an otherwise workable chapter.