Melanchthon

Presentation Notes

Wikipedia:

Philip Melanchthon 16 February 1497 – 19 April 1560, born Philipp Schwartzerdt (German: ˈʃvaɐ̯ts.eːɐt(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Standard_German)), was a German Lutheran reformer, collaborator with Martin Luther, the first systematic theologian of the Protestant Reformation, intellectual leader of the Lutheran Reformation, and an influential designer of educational systems.

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Melanchthon made the distinction between law and gospel the central formula for Lutheran evangelical insight. By the "law", he meant God's requirements both in Old and New Testament; the "gospel" meant the free gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

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In 1507 (10 yrs old) he was sent to the Latin school at Pforzheim, where the rector, Georg Simler of Wimpfen, introduced him to the Latin and Greek poets and to Aristotle. He was influenced by his great-uncle Johann Reuchlin, a Renaissance humanist; it was Reuchlin who suggested Philipp follow a custom common among humanists of the time and change his surname from "Schwartzerdt" (literally "black earth"), into the Greek equivalent "Melanchthon" (Μελάγχθων).

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Renaissance Humanist – (Wikipedia) Renaissance humanism was a response to the utilitarian approach and what came to be depicted as the "narrow pedantry" associated with medieval scholasticism.2(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renaissance_humanism" \l "cite_note-2) Humanists sought to create a citizenry able to speak and write with eloquence and clarity and thus capable of engaging in the civic life of their communities and persuading others to virtuous and prudent actions. This was to be accomplished through the study of the "studia humanitatis", today known as the humanities: grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.

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[In 1509] he entered the University of Heidelberg, where he studied philosophy, rhetoric, and astronomy/astrology, and became known as a scholar of Greek. Denied the master's degree in 1512 on the grounds of his youth, he went to Tübingen, where he continued humanistic studies but also worked on jurisprudence, mathematics, and medicine. While there he was also taught the technical aspects of astrology by Johannes Stöffler.4(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Melanchthon" \l "cite_note-4)

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After gaining a master's degree in 1516 he began to study theology. Under the influence of Reuchlin, Erasmus, and others, he became convinced that true Christianity was something different from the scholastic theology as taught at the university. He became a conventor (repentant) in the contubernium and instructed younger scholars. He also lectured on oratory, on Virgil and on Livy.

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Opposed as a reformer at Tübingen, he accepted a call to the University of Wittenberg from Martin Luther on the recommendation of his great-uncle, and became professor of Greek there at the age of 21. He studied the Scriptures, especially of Paul, and Evangelical doctrine.

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Following lectures on the Gospel of Matthew and the Epistle to the Romans, together with his investigations into Pauline doctrine, he was granted the degree of bachelor of theology, and transferred to the theological faculty.5(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Melanchthon" \l "cite_note-5) He married Katharina Krapp, daughter of Wittenberg's mayor, on 25 November 1520.

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In 1529 he accompanied the elector to the Diet of Speyer. His hopes of inducing the Imperial party to a recognition of the Reformation were not fulfilled. A friendly attitude towards the Swiss at the Diet was something he later changed, calling Zwingli's doctrine of the Lord's Supper "an impious dogma".

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In the beginning of 1521 in his Didymi Faventini versus Thomam Placentinum pro M. Luthero oratio (Wittenberg, n.d.), he defended Luther. He argued that Luther rejected only papal and ecclesiastical practises which were at variance with Scripture.6(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Melanchthon" \l "cite_note-6) But while Luther was absent at Wartburg Castle, during the disturbances caused by the Zwickau prophets, Melanchthon wavered.

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The composition now known as the Augsburg Confession was laid before the Diet of Augsburg in 1530, and would come to be considered perhaps the most significant document of the Protestant Reformation. While the confession was based on Luther's Marburg and Schwabach articles, it was mainly the work of Melanchthon; although it was commonly thought of as a unified statement of doctrine by the two reformers, Luther did not conceal his dissatisfaction with its irenic tone. Indeed, some would criticize Melanchthon's conduct at the Diet as unbecoming of the principle he promoted, implying that faith in the truth of his cause should logically have inspired Melanchthon to a firmer and more dignified posture. Others point out that he had not sought the part of a political leader, suggesting that he seemed to lack the requisite energy and decision for such a role and may simply have been a lackluster judge of human nature.

Melanchthon then settled into the comparative quiet of his academic and literary labors. His most important theological work of this period was the Commentarii in Epistolam Pauli ad Romanos (Wittenberg, 1532), noteworthy for introducing the idea that "to be justified" means "to be accounted just," whereas the Apology had placed side by side the meanings of "to be made just" and "to be accounted just." Melanchthon's increasing fame gave occasion for several honorable calls to Tübingen (Sept., 1534), to France, and to England, but consideration of the elector caused him to refuse them.

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Irenicism in Christian theology refers to attempts to unify Christian apologetical systems by using reason as an essential attribute. … Those who affiliate themselves with irenicism identify the importance of unity in the Christian church, and declare the common bond between all Christians under Christ.

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The last eventful and sorrowful period of his life began with controversies over the Interims and the Adiaphora (1547). It is true, Melanchthon rejected the Augsburg Interim, which the emperor tried to force upon the defeated Protestants; but in the negotiations concerning the so-called Leipzig Interim he made concessions which many feel can in no way be justified, even if one considers his difficult position, opposed as he was to the elector and the emperor.

In agreeing to various Roman usages, Melanchthon started from the opinion that they are adiaphora if nothing is changed in the pure doctrine and the sacraments which Jesus instituted, but he disregarded the position that concessions made under such circumstances have to be regarded as a denial of Evangelical convictions.

Melanchthon himself perceived his faults in the course of time and repented of them, perhaps having to suffer more than was just in the displeasure of his friends and the hatred of his enemies. From now on until his death he was full of trouble and suffering. After Luther's death he became the "theological leader of the German Reformation," not indisputably, however; for the Lutherans with Matthias Flacius at their head accused him and his followers of heresy and apostasy. Melanchthon bore all accusations and calumnies with admirable patience, dignity, and self-control.

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DEATH

But before these and other theological dissensions were ended, he died. A few days before his death he committed to writing his reasons for not fearing it. On the left were the words, "Thou shalt be delivered from sins, and be freed from the acrimony and fury of theologians"; on the right, "Thou shalt go to the light, see God, look upon his Son, learn those wonderful mysteries which thou hast not been able to understand in this life." The immediate cause of death was a severe cold which he had contracted on a journey to Leipzig in March, 1560, followed by a fever that consumed his strength, weakened by many sufferings. On 19 April 1560 he was pronounced dead.17(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Melanchthon" \l "cite_note-17)

The only care that occupied him until his last moment was the desolate condition of the Church. He strengthened himself in almost uninterrupted prayer, and in listening to passages of Scripture. Especially significant did the words seem to him, "His own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." When Caspar Peucer, his son in-law, asked him if he wanted anything, he replied, "Nothing but heaven." His body was buried beside Luther's in the Schloßkirche in Wittenberg.

http://www.luther.de/en/themen/melanch.html

During the Congress of Augsburg in 1530 Melanchthon championed the cause of Reformation because Luther was unable to leave the Electorate of Saxony (Kursachsen) due to his excommunication. Melanchthon mastered the difficulties of negotiating with the roman - Catholics well.
Based on several already completed writings and on the negotiations of Augsburg, Melanchthon wrote the first great confession (confessio) of the Reformation the "Augsburg confession" (Confessio Augustana). Evangelical priests to this day are ordained with this confession.

After Luther's death, Melanchthon became the spokesman of the Reformation. Even though his position was not entirely undisputed, Melanchthon nevertheless remained an outstanding spokesmen of the German Reformation until his own death.

Short biography:

• 1497 Melanchthon (at this time still Schwarzerd) was born in Bretten
• 1509 attended the University of Heidelberg
• 1511 Baccalaureat (first academic degree)
• 1512 moved to Tübingen
• 1514 Master of Arts (Magister artium)
• 1518 arrived in Wittenberg as the Professor of Greek; highly respected inaugural speach
• Melanchthon took part in all important protestant negotiations
• he is Luther's most important collaborator
• He introduced a huge school and university reform in the electorate of Saxon which became a model for other countries.
  This is why he is called "Germany's Principal Teacher" (Praeceptor Germaniae)
• He wrote the "Loci communes" (first protestant dogmatics in 1521) and the "Confessio Augustana" (confession of the reformation, 1530).
• After Luther's death he became the leader of the reformation.
• 1560 he died in Wittenberg

mix of summary and quotations from various biogrophies.

Born in 1497 in a relatively well-to-do home. His father was a celebrated armorer and his mother was the daughter of the burgomaster (mayor) or Bretten. His birth name was Philip Schwarzert. At 10 years of age he went to live with his grandmother in Pforzheim. He was there acquainted with classical Greek and Latin poets and philosophers. His grand-uncle, Johann Reuchlin, played a strong role in his life at this time. Johann was a great humanist of his time.

Renaissance Humanists, as opposed to modern-day humanists, sought to create a citizenry able to speak and write with eloquence and clarity and thus capable of engaging in the civic life of their communities and persuading others to virtuous and prudent actions. This was to be accomplished through the study of the humanities: grammar, rhetoric, history, poetry, and moral philosophy.

At 12 years of age he entered the University of Heidelberg where he studied philosophy, rhetoric, and astronomy/astrology, and became known as a scholar of Greek. He obtained the baccalaureate in 1511, and the following hear he applied for a master’s degree but was rejected because of his youth. He was 15 years old. So, he moved to Tübingen where in 1514 he obtained a master’s degree and was made an instructor at the university teaching Greek classics and oratory. It was at this time that he began studying the Bible in Greek, and became interested in theology. “Under the influence of Reuchlin, Erasmus, and others, he became convinced that true Christianity was something different from the scholastic theology as taught at the university.”

In 1518 (age 21) he was hired as a professor at the University of Wittenberg as its first professor of Greek. He rose every day at 2am for prayer, study, and writing, then would begin lecturing at 6am to classes of up to 600 students. It was there that he became close friends with Martin Luther. One biography writes “Melanchthon's cool, organized, disciplined habits of thinking and writing formed the perfect complement to Luther's brilliant but impulsive thinking and his fiery, emotional rhetoric.” He assisted Luther in his debate at Leipzig with the Johann Eck, the pope’s representative. Melanchthon began exchanging pamphlets with Eck and was then established as spokesman for the evangelical position.

In 1521, his lectures on the book of Romans were published. “It was the first systematic statement of Evangelical theology, and it became an instant best-seller ... Eventually, the University of Cambridge made it required reading, and Queen Elizabeth of England virtually memorized it. To Melanchthon's grief, it brought about a permanent break with his beloved great-uncle [Reuchlin], who remained a loyal adherent of the Papal position.”

Melanchthon gave many lectures, but refused to publish them, so Luther would take them and send00 them to the publishers on his behalf.

He was also very interested in public education and even became known as the Schoolmaster of Germany. “In 1528 he wrote a manual for school inspectors, … outlining a plan of organization and curriculum for a preparatory school. Many cities sought his help in organizing their public schools and well into the twentieth century the German educational system, both university and pre-university, was run with little variation from the structure he had given it.”

In 1530, the Augsburg Confession was written and presented at the Diet of Augsburg. While based on writings of Luther, it was primarily the work of Melanchthon. “Melanchthon was of a conciliatory spirit, always trying to find and emphasize areas of agreement with fellow Christians.” The peace and unification of the church seemed to be Melanchthon’s ultimate desire. Though the confession was seen as a unified statement of the two, Luther approved it in its outline, but expressed dissatisfaction with the tone, which was focused more on reconciliation than confrontation. Explaining later that “he regretted the omission of an attack on Purgatory, the veneration of the Saints and the Papacy. (Cath. Enc.)” The first 21 of the 28 Articles of the confession highlighted common ground with the Catholic church. Only the last 7 Articles covered the “reforms of abuses”.

He continued writing and collaborating with Luther and after the death of Martin Luther he became the leader of the reformation movement.

During the last years of his life he became entrenched in numerous theological debates and was opposed by many of his peers. Yet he continued with the ultimate desire of unity in the Church.

He of course opposed the Catholics. Yet there were still many controversies within Protestantism, such as which Catholic practices were acceptable,, and bitter disputes over the nature of Lord’s supper.

Wikipedia states: “A few days before his death he committed to writing his reasons for not fearing it. On the left were the words, "Thou shalt be delivered from sins, and be freed from the acrimony and fury of theologians"; on the right, "Thou shalt go to the light, see God, look upon his Son, learn those wonderful mysteries which thou hast not been able to understand in this life." The immediate cause of death was a severe cold which he had contracted on a journey to Leipzig in March, 1560, followed by a fever that consumed his strength, weakened by many sufferings. On 19 April 1560 he was pronounced dead.17(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Melanchthon" \l "cite_note-17)

The only care that occupied him until his last moment was the desolate condition of the Church. He strengthened himself in almost uninterrupted prayer, and in listening to passages of Scripture. Especially significant did the words seem to him, "His own received him not; but as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." When Caspar Peucer, his son in-law, asked him if he wanted anything, he replied, "Nothing but heaven." His body was buried beside Luther's in the Schloßkirche in Wittenberg.”

“Melanchthon was dwarfish, misshapen, and physically weak, although he is said to have had a bright and sparkling eye, which kept its color till the day of his death. He was never in perfectly sound health, and managed to perform as much work as he did only by reason of the extraordinary regularity of his habits and his great temperance. He set no great value on money and possessions; his liberality and hospitality were often misused in such a way that his old faithful Swabian servant had sometimes difficulty in managing the household.

His domestic life was happy. He called his home "a little church of God," always found peace there, and showed a tender solicitude for his wife and children. To his great astonishment a French scholar found him rocking the cradle with one hand, and holding a book in the other.”

Jewish Virtual Library: “Although Melanchthon was influenced by Luther's antisemitism, he avoided its cruder excesses and in 1539, at the Frankfurt religious assembly, publicly denounced the blood libel that had resulted in the martyrdom of 38 Brandenburg Jews in 1510.”