Martin Luther as comforter : writings on death / by Neil R. Leroux.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Leroux, Neil R.

Series:

Studies in the history of Christian traditions 1573-5664 ; v. 133.

Studies in the history of Christian traditions, 1573-5664 ; v. 133

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Luther, Martin, 1483-1546--Criticism and interpretation.

Luther, Martin.

Luther, Martin, 1483-1546.

Death in literature.

Eschatology.

Devotional literature, German--History and criticism.

Devotional literature, German.

Criticism and interpretation.

Physical Description:

xliii, 336 pages ; 25 cm.

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2007.

Summary:

What was Martin Luther's teaching regarding death, and to what extent did his own fears of and experiences with death manifest themselves in his writings? What influence did the medieval preoccupation with a 'good death' have upon him? How did Luther counsel those facing death-to meet it with acceptance, or resistance, or both? Using meticulous rhetorical analysis of select sermons, pamphlets, and letters of consolation, this book examines how Luther offered comfort to those who were facing their own death or who were coming to terms with the death of loved ones. Thus the book makes an important contribution to existing scholarship on Luther and the formation of an early modern Protestant ethos surrounding death, bereavement, and burial.

Contents:

Chapter 1 "Think About These Things": Luther's "Fourteen Consolations" (1519) 1

I Orientation to Luther's Document 1

II Analysis of "Fourteen Consolations" 9

A The First Image: The Evil Within Us 9

B The Second Image: The Future Evil or the Evil Before Us 11

C The Third Image: The Past Evil or the Evil Behind Us 13

D The Fourth Image: The Infernal Evil or the Evil Beneath Us 16

E The Fifth Image: The Unfavorable Evil on Our Left Hand 18

F The Sixth Image: The Favorable Evil on Our Right Hand 18

G The Seventh Image: The Supernal Evil, or the Evil Above Us 22

H The First Image: The Blessing Within 25

I The Second Image: The Future Blessing Before Us 28

J The Third Image: The Past Blessing Behind Us 31

K The Fourth Image: The Infernal Blessing Beneath Us 33

L The Fifth Image: The Adverse Blessing on Our Left Hand 35

M The Sixth Image: Favorable Blessings on Our Right Hand 37

N The Seventh Image: The Supernal Blessing Above Us 39

Chapter 2 "I Have Overcome the World": Luther's "Sermon on Preparing to Die" (1519) 45

I Orientation to Luther's Document 46

II Context of Luther's Book 48

III Analysis of Luther's "On Preparing to Die" 49

A Using Scripture 54

B Using Dialogue 56

C Intimate Language 59

D Sacraments as Signs 60

E Visual Narration, Description, and Exhortation 67

F Physical Action and Thought in Luther's Language 70

G Overcoming the Enemy 76

Chapter 3 "Of Whom the World was not Worthy": Luther's Martyrological Literature 81

I A Letter of Consolation to All who Suffer Persecution Because of God's Word, Addressed to Hartmuth von Cronberg (1522) 83

II To the Christians in the Netherlands (1523) 88

III A New Song Here Shall Be Begun (1523) 93

IV To the Christians in Riga, Tallin, and Tartu (August 1523) 101

V Letter to Lambert Thorn (19 January 1524) 104

VI To the Christians of Miltenberg (14 February 1524) 108

VII The Burning of Brother Henry (1525) 113

VIII A Letter to the Christians at Halle (1527) 119

IX To Leonhard Kaiser (20 May 1527) 127

Chapter 4 "To Whom Shall We Go? You Have the Words of Eternal Life": Luther's 1532 Funeral Sermons 133

I Context and Scope of the Sermons 135

II Analysis of Sermon One 141

A Introduction (WA 36:237-239) 141

B Part One (WA 36:240-244) 143

C Part Two (WA 36:244-249) 148

D Part Three (WA 36:249-254) 154

E Conclusion (WA 36:254.21-35) 158

III Analysis of Sermon Two 159

A Introduction (WA 36:255.15-257.35) 160

B Part One (WA 36.257.36-262.17) 162

C Part Two (WA 36:262.17-264.11) 166

D Part Three (WA 36:264.13-267.17) 168

E Part Four (WA 36:267.17-269.27) 170

F Conclusion (WA 36:269.28-270.18) 173

IV Prominent Themes and Strategies in the Sermons 174

Chapter 5 "Faithful are the Wounds of a Friend": Luther's Consolatory Letters 181

I Consolatory Letter as Rhetorical Response 182

II Consolatory Genre in Rhetorical and Epistolary Traditions 184

III Luther's Letters 187

A Letters to Bereaved Parents 189

B Letters to Surviving Spouses 200

C Letters to Surviving Siblings 217

Chapter 6 "Am I My Brother's Keeper?": Luther's "On Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague" (1527) 223

I Structure of Luther's Book 226

II Analysis of Luther's Book 227

B The Substance of the Case 229

C Self-Preservation is Biblical 235

D Prolepsis: But Should One Try to Avoid Death from Plague? 236

E Positive Instructions for One's Actions Toward Self and Others 238

F Warnings to Those Who Forsake Their Neighbor 240

G Caring for the Sick 242

H What One Should Tell the Devil 243

I God's Mighty Promises for Ministers of the Needy 244

J Gods Attention and Healing Dwarf the Risks of Serving Plague Victims 246

K Tempting God 250

L Instructions for Caregivers 251

M Instructions to Plague Victims and Potential Disease Carriers 253

N Brief Instructions on Preparation for Death 255

O Advice about Burial Practices 259

I Acknowledging Loss 269

II Putting Loss into Perspective 270

III Emphasizing Resurrection Victory 271

IV Exhorting Christians to Suffer Willingly 273

Appendix Glossary of Rhetorical Terms 279.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [281]-304) and indexes.

ISBN:

9004158804

9789004158801

OCLC:

137334644