Reforming Mary: Changing Images of the Virgin Mary in Lutheran Sermons of the Sixteenth Century (Oxford Studies in Historical Theology) - Hardcover

Kreitzer, Beth

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 019516654X ISBN 13: 9780195166545

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2004

Synopsis

Catholics and Protestants have, since the earliest days of the Reformation, held markedly different views about the Virgin Mary. In Reforming Mary Beth Kreitzer examines the development of Lutheran views on this subject as expressed in 16th-century Lutheran published sermons, starting with the earliest of Luther's own Reformation sermons.
She shows that from the beginning Lutherans rejected much of the theology and piety that surrounded Mary in Catholicism, especially her status as heavenly queen and intercessor with Christ. They affirmed those orthodox teachings about Mary that related to Christ (the Virgin's role as Theotokos, the virgin birth) and by extension Mary's purity, or perpetual virginity. As time went on Lutheran preachers showed less interest in Mary as a topic and by the later part of the century showed an increasingly harsh and critical view of her. These later sermons reveal a new willingness, in opposition to received tradition, to impute sin to Mary. Kreitzer attributes this changed attitude to the increasing distance of Lutherans from their Catholic roots, the logical results of theological changes in the Reformation, and a perception of an increased threat of re-catholicization.
Finally, she shows, Mary was pressed into service by preachers who endeavored to instruct the laity in both what to believe and how to live, making a causal connection between being a good Christian and being a good citizen of society. In this context, Mary was used as a role model and was often promoted as an exemplar for females in ways that served to constrain and domesticate women, placing them more firmly under male authority. But despite the attempts by preachers to domesticate and mold her, Kreitzer argues, the Lutheran Mary remains a complex and paradoxical figure.

About this title

About the Author

Beth Kreitzer teaches in the Department of History at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

Review

"No Lutheran preacher should miss this historical and theological study of sixteenth-century homiletic content as they ponder the implications of Mary's role in the Scriptures and early Lutheran piety and preaching. Kreitzer has provided an edifying resource for Luther scholars, early modern historians, and especially for parish pastors in their sermon preparation and theological conversation."--oncordia Journal

"Her comparison of the "Lutheran Mary" to the "medieval Mary," her description of evolving Lutheran preaching tradition, and her attention to gender issues makes Reforming Mary an engaging and informative study."--Lutheran Quarterly

"...clearly defined, sharply focused, and convincingly presented..."--Renaissance Quarterly

"A thoughtful, careful contribution to the intellectual history of sixteenth century reformations."--American Historical Review

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 019516654X
• ISBN 13: 9780195166545
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256