Luther's Eucharistic writings of 1523 to 1528

Abstract

Chapter One expounds the formal and material principles of Luther's Reformation in their mediaeval context, arguing that both were conceived as a return to the dogma and tradition of the ancient Church. Chapter Two examines Luther's approach to exegetical method, calling in question the view that he decisively broke with his mediaeval antecedents. Chapter Three recalls the outbreak of the eucharistic controversy of the 1520s, specifying the precise nature of real presence doctrine which Luther early embraced and, later, tenaciously defended, and outlining the liturgical practices which gave expression to the Reformer's belief. Chapter Four examines Luther's painstaking exegetical defence of the controverted doctrine of the Church, urging the consistency of his position with the application of the exegetical method outlined in Chapter Two. Chapter Five describes Luther's distinctive recension of traditional Christology, pointing up the con- gruity of the real presence doctrine with the Reformer's understanding of the mystery of the person of Christ. Chapter Six examines the connection between therimparting of the sacred body and blood under the elements and the epistemology of the 'theologia crucis', closing with an account of Luther's understanding of the benefits of the presence in connection with his overall conception of the Incarnation.