In October 1520, Martin Luther published one of the most daring works of the Reformation—a treatise that compared the church of his day to Israel in exile, held captive in Babylon. The Babylonian Captivity of the Church takes aim at the seven sacraments of medieval Christianity and asks a simple question: what did Christ actually promise and command? With characteristic boldness, Luther argues that the church had added human inventions to the gospel, and he calls believers back to the Word of God and to faith. This modern-English edition renders Luther's Latin original in clear, present-day language, faithful to its meaning and spirit, while making it inviting for today's readers. Whether you are a student of church history, a person of faith, or simply curious about one of the most influential texts ever written, this edition offers a warm and accessible doorway into a world-changing classic. Part of The Founding Texts Library.