Loci Communes
Encyclopedia
Loci Communes or Loci communes rerum theologicarum seu hypotyposes theologicae (Latin for Common Places in Theology or Fundamental Doctrinal Themes) was a work by the Lutheran theologian Philipp Melancthon published in 1521 (other, modified editions produced in the life of the author occurred in: 1535, 1543 and 1559). Martin Luther
said of it that "Next to Holy Scripture, there is no better book," and its existence is a common reason given for why Luther never wrote a systematic theology
of his own. In an overture to the English king, Henry VIII, to gain the English crown as converts to Lutheran protestantism
, Philipp Melanchthon provided a dedication to the king in one of his printed editions.
The book lays out Christian doctrine by discussing the "leading thoughts" from the Epistle to the Romans
, and these thoughts were intended to guide the reader to a proper understanding of the Bible
in general.
Martin Luther
Martin Luther was a German priest, professor of theology and iconic figure of the Protestant Reformation. He strongly disputed the claim that freedom from God's punishment for sin could be purchased with money. He confronted indulgence salesman Johann Tetzel with his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517...
said of it that "Next to Holy Scripture, there is no better book," and its existence is a common reason given for why Luther never wrote a systematic theology
Systematic theology
In the context of Christianity, systematic theology is a discipline of Christian theology that attempts to formulate an orderly, rational, and coherent account of the Christian faith and beliefs...
of his own. In an overture to the English king, Henry VIII, to gain the English crown as converts to Lutheran protestantism
Protestantism
Protestantism is one of the three major groupings within Christianity. It is a movement that began in Germany in the early 16th century as a reaction against medieval Roman Catholic doctrines and practices, especially in regards to salvation, justification, and ecclesiology.The doctrines of the...
, Philipp Melanchthon provided a dedication to the king in one of his printed editions.
The book lays out Christian doctrine by discussing the "leading thoughts" from the Epistle to the Romans
Epistle to the Romans
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans, often shortened to Romans, is the sixth book in the New Testament. Biblical scholars agree that it was composed by the Apostle Paul to explain that Salvation is offered through the Gospel of Jesus Christ...
, and these thoughts were intended to guide the reader to a proper understanding of the Bible
Bible
The Bible refers to any one of the collections of the primary religious texts of Judaism and Christianity. There is no common version of the Bible, as the individual books , their contents and their order vary among denominations...
in general.
External links
- Loci Communes belonging to Phil Slattery of Corpus Christi, Texas Pages from a Loci Communes published by Theodosius Fabricius (Theodor Faber) and printed by Paul Donat in Magdeburg in 1595.