Martin Luther as comforter : writings on death / / by Neil R. Leroux.

• Superior document: Studies in the history of Christian traditions, v. 133
• Author: Leroux, Neil R.
• Year of Publication: 2007
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Language: English
• Series: Studies in the history of Christian traditions ; v. 133.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (380 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

What was Martin Luther’s teaching regarding death, and to what extent did his own fears of and experiences with death manifest themselves in his writings? What influence did the medieval preoccupation with a ‘good death’ have upon him? How did Luther counsel those facing death—to meet it with acceptance, or resistance, or both? Using meticulous rhetorical analysis of select sermons, pamphlets, and letters of consolation, this book examines how Luther offered comfort to those who were facing their own death or who were coming to terms with the death of loved ones. Thus the book makes an important contribution to existing scholarship on Luther and the formation of an early modern Protestant ethos surrounding death, bereavement, and burial.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Materials / N.R. Leroux -- Chapter One. “Think About These Things”: Luther’s “Fourteen Consolations” (1519) / N.R. Leroux -- Chapter Two. “I Have Overcome The World”: Luther’s “Sermon On Preparing To Die” (1519) / N.R. Leroux -- Chapter Three. “Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy”: Luther’s Martyrological Literature / N.R. Leroux -- Chapter Four. “To Whom Shall We Go? You Have The Words Of Eternal Life”: Luther’s 1532 Funeral Sermons / N.R. Leroux -- Chapter Five. “Faithful Are The Wounds Of A Friend”: Luther’s Consolatory Letters / N.R. Leroux -- Chapter Six. “Am I My Brother’s Keeper?”: Luther’s “On Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague” (1527) / N.R. Leroux -- Conclusion / N.R. Leroux -- Appendix Glossary Of Rhetorical Terms / N.R. Leroux -- Bibliography / N.R. Leroux -- Index Of Scriptures / N.R. Leroux -- Index Of Persons And Places / N.R. Leroux -- Index Of Subjects / N.R. Leroux.