Theology
Beate Kobler
Die Entstehung des negativen Melanchthonbildes
Protestantische Melanchthonkritik bis 1560
[The Origins of Melanchthon's Negative Image. Protestant Criticism of Melanchthon up to 1560.]
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Published in German.
Philipp Melanchthon, a theologian, humanist and reformer, was repeatedly evaluated negatively during the past centuries, and this resulted in numerous clichés. He was for example accused of corrupting and betraying Luther's doctrine, and in addition he was characterized as being timid and too compliant. Beate Kobler deals with the question of when and how this negative image originated during Melanchthon's lifetime, what events caused it to be reinforced and which critics influenced it in a particular manner. In doing so, she focuses on the Protestant criticism. This is particularly interesting, since it conflicts with Melanchthon's actual influence and his special impact. The result shows that the negative image of Melanchthon originated much earlier than had been assumed up to now.