Philip Melanchthon, Speaker of the Reformation

Dr Timothy J. Wengert is the Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, USA.

• Contents: Introduction; Part 1 Philip Melanchthon's Theology; Beyond stereotypes: the real Philip Melanchthon; Philip Melanchthon's 1522 annotations on Romans and the Lutheran origins of rhetorical criticism; 'Qui vigilantissimis oculis veterum omnium commentarios excusserit': Philip Melanchthon's patristic exegesis; Philip Melanchthon and Augustine of Hippo; Philip Melanchthon on time and history in the Reformation; Philip Melanchthon's contribution to Luther's debate with Erasmus over the bondage of the will; The day Philip Melanchthon got mad; Luther and Melanchthon on consecrated communion wine (Eisleben 1542-43); Philip Melanchthon and a Christian Politics. Part 2 Philip Melanchthon and His Contemporaries: Melanchthon and Luther / Luther and Melanchthon; 'We will feast together in Heaven forever': the epistolary friendship of John Calvin and Philip Melanchthon; Famous last words: the final epistolary exchange between Erasmus of Rotterdam and Philip Melanchthon in 1536; 'Not by nature Philoneikos': Philip Melanchthon's initial reactions to the Augsburg interim; Index.

'... an accessible handbook of exceptional studies...' Religious Studies Review '... much of Wengert’s further work has been scattered in essays in a variety of venues. This collection brings together thirteen of those essays, demonstrating his effectively focused, finely crafted way of approaching historical theology. Each adds in some way interesting and significant detail to our understanding of Melanchthon.' Lutheran Quarterly 'Drawn from thirty years of research and writing on Melanchthon, Wengert’s essays survey the Reformer’s fascinating career and offer profound insights into his impact on the Reformation.' Catholic Historical Review '... a handy collection of useful Melanchthon articles gathered together in one place ... Wengert’s exacting research is a necessary point of call for any modern researcher of Melanchthon.' Ecclesiastical History 'Wengert is a Lutheran scholar in very high standing, and the contributions here are first rate, covering aspects of Melanchthon's theology.' Churchman