The band gathered several essays by Volker Leppin from the past decade and a half. The collection begins with theoretical reflections to a historiographical reasonable understanding of the Reformation. Here the idea is developed, that this should be seen less as a break with the current theology, piety and church, because as a transformation of the given. Specifically, these considerations by studies that are running with the debate about Aristotle in the 13th century, then turn to the theology and piety of mysticism with Meister Eckhart, Tauler and Nicholas of Cusa, and finally lead to the Reformation in the strict sense. Here are person and theology of Martin Luther in the center. In meticulous detail studies Volker Leppin shows in particular how its core issues - Solus Christus, sola gratia, sola fide and sola scriptura - shelling out. Then started working individual concretions of Luther's theology in prayer, theology or church interior design out and checked and confirmed to them the model of transformation. So Luther is set to its historical place - beyond Monumentalisierungen and taunts, which turn to the final trials. The studies show Luther's Reformation striking profile, with which he indeed stood in contrast to the established church, its roots in mysticism, theology and piety also scholasticism and humanism but remained connected.