Die Entstehung des Reformatorenbildes: Luther und Honterus im Vergleich

Abstract

Abstract Due to the rather different source situation, comparing the formation of a Reformer’s image in the cases of Luther and Honterus is not an easy task. For Luther, the article therefore concentrates on the early historiography of his environment. In doing so, it becomes apparent that his role more and more was described as an active one. With this, the understanding of Reformation as liberation came to the fore. Hence, salvation-historical categories predominated. In contrast, the interpretation of Reformation as an educational event was in the foreground in Honterus, for whom above all some utterings of Schesaeus could be drawn upon. Despite this clear orientation towards the humanistic ideal, Luther still remained emphasized as spurring the entire movement. While Luther was seen as marking the shift in salvation history from the time of the Antichrist to the Gospel, Honter focused on the transition from a disordered society to one structured by education.