About the Presentation
Melanchthon was the Wittenberg theologian who “discovered” how useful the application of dialectical and rhetorical principles could be for Reformation theology. This is particularly true in relation to the biblical text par excellence for the Reformation, the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans—the text on which Martin Luther based his Reformation teachings. Melanchthon wrote a total of five commentaries on the Epistle to the Romans and must therefore be regarded as the Wittenberg exegete of this letter. He recognized that, in order to understand the Epistle to the Romans, it had to be interpreted according to the ancient rules of rhetoric (and dialectic), with the aim of methodically demonstrating the Lutheran doctrine of justification.
The focus will be on a short text by Philipp Melanchthon: his Dispositio orationis in epistola ad Romanos from 1529. On the basis of this text, the discussion will concentrate on Melanchthon’s understanding of rhetoric: first, how it developed over the years and how he applied it to his interpretation of the Apostle Paul; second, how he employed rhetoric in the service of the Reformation; and finally, how Melanchthon promoted his understanding of rhetoric within humanist circles and sought, by means of it, to influence imperial political events.
In conclusion, the question will be addressed to what extent Melanchthon’s rhetoric, within the humanist context of the sixteenth century, should be understood as transconfessional, as Reformation-oriented, or specifically as Lutheran.
About the Speaker
Nicole Kuropka is a Professor of Church History at the University of Wuppertal.
About the Early Modern Hellenism Colloquia
The colloquium, organized by Natasha Constantinidou (University of Cyprus) and Han Lamers (University of Oslo), aims to foster a growing community of international scholars across various disciplines working on the reception of the ancient Greek heritage in the early modern period. Each session will include a 20-minute presentation followed by a 30-minute informal discussion. Presenters are encouraged to concentrate on the primary sources central to their research and to reflect on how their academic background shapes their approach to early modern Hellenism.
Interested in Attending?
Those who wish to attend are kindly asked to register in advance using this online form. A link will be sent in good time before the event.
Organisers
The Early Modern Hellenism Colloquium Series is a collaboration between the University of Cyprus and the University of Oslo and is convened by Natasha Constantinidou and Han Lamers.