Reformation, Renaissance and Hermeticism: Contexts and Interfaces of the Early Reformation Movement

This article contextualizes three theological currents that emerged on the eve of the Reformation and traces their interdependence: first, Luther's anti-Pelagian Augustinianism and the sola scriptura principle; second, the Florentine project of linking Hermeticism and the Christian Cabbala, exe...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reformation & Renaissance review
Main Author: Stengel, Friedemann 1966- (Author)
Format: Electronic Dictionary entry/article
Language:English
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Fernleihe:Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste
Published: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group [2018]
In: Reformation & Renaissance review
RelBib Classification:CD Christianity and Culture
CF Christianity and Science
KAG Church history 1500-1648; Reformation; humanism; Renaissance
NBH Angelology; demonology
NBK Soteriology
Further subjects:B Demonology
B Hermeticism
B Cabbala
B Soteriology
B Reformation
B prisca theologia
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:This article contextualizes three theological currents that emerged on the eve of the Reformation and traces their interdependence: first, Luther's anti-Pelagian Augustinianism and the sola scriptura principle; second, the Florentine project of linking Hermeticism and the Christian Cabbala, exemplified in the works of Ficino and Pico della Mirandola. Attempting to link a new concept of magic with prisca theologia, both sought to harmonize contemporary forms of worship using Hermetic sources to advance the notion of common Christian origins and an optimistic anthropology alien to Luther's soteriology. The third current relates to magic, as delineated in Heinrich Kramer's Malleus maleficarum. Directed against Florentine Hermeticism, the book's Augustinian imprint, demonology, and view of witches bore significant parallels to Luther's theology. This aspect remains largely unexamined. Developing the premise that sixteenth-century Wittenberg was receptive to Florentine ideas, this article shows that Luther's early Christocentrism must arguably be seen as an alternative to those of others.
ISSN:1743-1727
Contains:Enthalten in: Reformation & Renaissance review
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/14622459.2018.1450132