The reformation of suffering : pastoral theology and lay piety in late medieval and early modern Germany

Author(s)

• Rittgers, Ronald K.

Bibliographic Information

The reformation of suffering : pastoral theology and lay piety in late medieval and early modern Germany

Ronald K. Rittgers

（Oxford studies in historical theology）

Oxford University Press, c2012

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [393]-441) and indexes

Description and Table of Contents

Description

Protestant reformers sought to effect a radical change in the way their contemporaries understood and coped with the suffering of body and soul that were so prominent in the early modern period. The reformers did so because they believed that many traditional approaches to suffering were not sufficiently Christian-that is, they thought these approaches were unbiblical. The Reformation of Suffering examines the Protestant reformation of suffering and shows how it was a central part of the larger Protestant effort to reform church and society. Despite its importance, no other text has directly examined this reformation of suffering. This book investigates the history of Christian reflection on suffering and consolation in the Latin West and places the Protestant reformation campaign within this larger context, paying close attention to important continuities and discontinuities between Catholic and Protestant traditions. Focusing especially on Wittenberg Christianity, The Reformation of Suffering examines the genesis of Protestant doctrines of suffering among the leading reformers and then traces the transmission of these doctrines from the reformers to the common clergy. It also examines the reception of these ideas by lay people. The text underscores the importance of consolation in early modern Protestantism and seeks to challenge a scholarly trend that has emphasized the themes of discipline and control in Wittenberg Christianity. It shows how Protestant clergymen and burghers could be remarkably creative and resourceful as they sought to convey solace to one another in the midst of suffering and misfortune. The Protestant reformation of suffering had a profound impact on church and society in the early modern period and contributed significantly to the shape of the modern world.

Table of Contents

• A Note on Usage
• Introduction
• Chapter One: Consolation in Rite and Word in the Later Middle Ages
• Chapter Two: The Consolation Tradition in the Latin Church
• Chapter Three: Suffering and Consolation in Late Medieval Mysticism
• Chapter Four: Suffering and Salvation in the Early Luther
• Chapter Five: Suffering and the Theology of the Cross
• Chapter Six: Early Evangelical Consolation Literature
• Chapter Seven: Pastoral Care of the Sick and Suffering in the Evangelical Church Ordinances
• Chapter Eight: Later Evangelical Consolation Literature I
• Chapter Nine: Later Evangelical Consolation Literature II
• Chapter Ten: Lay Suffering and Solace
• Conclusion
• Appendix: Select Early Modern Protestant Works of Consolation and Devotion Arranged Alphabetically by Author with Number of Extant Editions in the German Lands
• Abbreviations
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Index

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

• NCID: BB1203345X
• ISBN:
  • 9780199795086
• LCCN: 2011037943
• Country Code: us
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Place of Publication: New York
• Pages/Volumes: xiv, 482 p.
• Size: 25 cm
• Classification:
  • LCC : BR307
  • DC23 : 231/.809031
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : Reformation -- Germany
  • LCSH : Suffering -- Religious aspects -- Lutheran Church -- History of doctrines -- 16th century
  • LCSH : Pastoral theology -- Germany -- History -- 16th century
  • LCSH : Consolation -- History -- 16th century
• Parent Bibliography ID:
  • BA30753941