Heller shows how Erikson's study of Luther did not always penetrate adequately to the depths of Luther's theology and faith, particularly Luther's sense of how the sinful self is swallowed up in the crucified Christ in a way that compensates for the sinfulness of natural man, and how Luther's ultimate rejection of self was the condition of his self-surrender in faith. Accordingly, Heller concludes Erikson not only failed to conduct adequate historical research and to grasp the pertinent sociopolitical and intellectual history, but also failed to penetrate into the heart of Luther's theology.