9 November 1522 A.D. Martin Chemnitz Born—the “Second Martin” of
the German Reformation
If the second Martin had not come, the first Martin
would not have stood." This saying from the seventeenth century refers to
Martin Chemnitz and Martin Luther. It means that the writings of Martin
Chemnitz rescued Lutheran theology which was being undermined by the teachings of
Calvinists and Catholics alike.
However, it was by no means
clear that Martin Chemnitz would ride to the rescue of Lutheran thought. Born on this day, November 9,
1522, he had to labor
hard for his education, for his father died when he was a young man. In the
course of time, however, he became a student at Wittenberg where Philip
Melanchthon impressed him. Although the first Martin (Luther) was conducting
the Reformation at the time, the second Martin (Chemnitz) paid little attention
to what he said. Studying math, he had became so wrapped up in astrology that
he was little use for anything else.
Fortunately, Melanchthon was
able to steer him toward theology. Although at first Chemnitz made his living
as a librarian and astrologer, he finally recognized the futility of astrology
and turned his entire thoughts to theology, reading the works of the church
fathers and the theologians of his own day. As a result, his keen mind became
equipped to defend the Reformation teachings of Luther.
He engaged in theological
controversy more mildly than most theologians of the day, who jeered and called
each other names. Martin Chemnitz tried to allow reason and Scripture to speak
for him. One of his best-known books was Loci Theologici, a commentary on
Melanchthon's theology. In it, Martin staunchly defended the doctrine of
justification by faith alone, which had taken a beating, owing to a misunderstanding
of what Lutherans meant by their teaching. In other writings, he defended
Luther's teaching on the Lord's supper and the church's ancient teaching that
Jesus is both God and man.
Another important work by Martin
Chemnitz was his Examination of the Council of Trent. At Trent, the Roman
Catholic church restated and clarified its doctrines. In four volumes, Martin
Chemnitz made a strong Protestant reply to the Roman claims.
But for Lutherans, his most
important contribution was his part in drafting the Formula of Concord.
This was an orthodox restatement of Lutheran faith acceptable to most Lutheran
factions, which had been growing apart over differences of interpretation.
Martin died in 1586. In his
later years, he turned down several offers of high positions, content to remain
a pastor and educator.
Bibliography:
1. "Chemnitz (Kemnitz), Martin." New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia
of Religious Knowledge. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1954.
2. "Chemnitz, Martin" and "Concord, Formula (1577) and Book
(1580) of." The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, edited by F.
L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone. Oxford, 1997.
3. "Martin Chemnitz." Studium Excitare.
http://www.studiumexcitare.com/docs/archives/000007.php
4. Various encyclopedia and internet articles.
Last updated July,
2007
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