Johann Reuchlin (1455-1522): A Theological Biography

Description

This is the first biography in English of Johann Reuchlin (1455-1522), based upon the new critical edition of his correspondence. Reuchlin became most famous as the Catholic defender of Jewish books at the beginning of the 16th century, clarifying the Catholic Church’s position toward the Jews. The book contributes to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Declaration on Relations with the Jews of the Second Vatican Council in 1965. Franz Posset, PhD, Dipl.-Theol., is internationally known as Catholic Luther scholar, specializing in the theology and history of the Renaissance and Reformation, author of Pater Bernhardus: Martin Luther and Bernard of Clairvaux (1999), The Front-Runner of the Catholic Reformation (on Johann von Staupitz) (2003), Renaissance Monks (2005), The Real Luther (2011), Marcus Marulus and the Biblia Latina of 1489 (2013), and a book in German, Unser Martin. Martin Luther aus der Sicht katholischer Sympathisanten (2015). Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Contents Abbreviations List of Illustrations Introduction Chapter 1. “The unique philosopher and theologian of our time” Chapter 2. The early years with an experience of historical significance Chapter 3. The Wonder-Working Word of God Chapter 4. Talents and tasks of a pious Renaissance man Chapter 5. Talking points with Jews are turned into accusation points Chapter 6. Jews under scrutiny and pressure to convert Chapter 7. “The Jewish faith is none of our business” and “The Jew is as worthy in the eyes of our Lord God as am I” Chapter 8. Hand Mirror and Eye Glasses – and tolerance Chapter 9. The Latin people drink from the swamp, the Greeks from the rills, and the Hebrews from the sources Chapter 10. Christians are grafted into the Jewish roots: “The Jews are our brothers” Chapter 11. Trials and tribulations – “Honorable, faithful, dear to us” Chapter 12. Reuchlin’s triumph – Preliminary Chapter 13. The lay theologian’s Catholic Cabala Chapter 14. “We have almost all of Rome on our side” – Acquitted of heresy, but fined Chapter 15. Hunted like a hare and celebrated by Christians and Jews for his life-time achievements Conclusion Chronology Select Bibliography Index of Personal Names Index of Biblical References