Luther's thought assumed form in polemics

TY - CHAP

T1 - Luther's thought assumed form in polemics

AU - Vind, Anna

PY - 2014

Y1 - 2014

N2 - Luther’s polemic reflects not self-confidence but confidence in God’s Word. His polemic arose in the context of the university disputation, which sought truth and examined skills through disputation. Luther discovered God’s Word’s ability to serve as weapon against his foes. In several literary genres Luther’s versatile use of a range of polemical devices countered positions he regarded as false. The necessity of opposing such positions provoked his expansion and deepening of formulations of doctrine and ecclesiastical practice on various topics, including Christian freedom, the external character of God’s Word, and other doctrines. Luther’s polemic also served pastoral purposes, defending the faithful against error.

AB - Luther’s polemic reflects not self-confidence but confidence in God’s Word. His polemic arose in the context of the university disputation, which sought truth and examined skills through disputation. Luther discovered God’s Word’s ability to serve as weapon against his foes. In several literary genres Luther’s versatile use of a range of polemical devices countered positions he regarded as false. The necessity of opposing such positions provoked his expansion and deepening of formulations of doctrine and ecclesiastical practice on various topics, including Christian freedom, the external character of God’s Word, and other doctrines. Luther’s polemic also served pastoral purposes, defending the faithful against error.

U2 - 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199604708.013.018

DO - 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199604708.013.018

M3 - Book chapter

SP - 471

EP - 480

BT - Oxford Handbook of Martin Luther

A2 - Kolb, Robert

A2 - Dingel, Irene

A2 - Batka, Lubomir

PB - Oxford University Press

ER -