The Second Martin: The Life and Theology of Martin Chemnitz

by Jacob A.O. Preus

Martin Chemnitz - the Second Martin of the Lutheran Reformation - stands with Luther and Melanchthon as an author of the Lutheran confessions and father of Lutheran theology. He was the chief author of the Formula of Concord, the most consulted theologian of the late Reformation, and a voice to unite the factionalized Lutherans of Germany. He has been called, after Martin Luther, the most important theologian in the history of Lutheranism.

'The Second Martin' is the first full-length biography and analysis of Martin Chemnitz to appear in English.

411 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Walter Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Preus captures the essence of Chemnitz in a detailed yet readable volume. While exploring the person of the the noted Lutheran theologian, he also establishes the "Second Martin's" place in Christian and Lutheran history. Good for anyone wanting to know more about the Reformation's continuation after the death of Luther and the theological and political turmoil that followed.

[Brian Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin Chemnitz has been an interest of mine since I read portions of his Loci Theologici for a seminary class in Reformation era literature. In my dissertation I drew on Chemnitz's Examination Of the Council of Trent in sketching Reformation views of tradition. What was already evident from these readings was the breadth of Chemnitz's skill. He had an expert knowledge of the church fathers, he was a careful exegete with skill in languages, and he was a precise systematizer. His historical significance lies in his role of systematizing orthodox Lutheran thought. Luther was not a systematic writer, and Melanchthon's work contains problematic material from an orthodox Lutheran perspective. But Chemnitz set the foundation for Lutheran theology both in his own writing and in his contribution to the Formula of Concord.
Preus's biography of Chemnitz illuminates these aspects of Chemnitz and more. The book is actually more than a biography. Part one sets the historical stage. We see the Reformation unfold after Luther, with particular attention given to Melanchthon and to the political situation. Part two is the biography proper. Part three summarizes Chemnitz's theology, and in doing so Preus gives detailed summaries of Chemnitz's entire body of work.
Preus is a conservative Lutheran, and he clearly believes that orthodox Lutheranism is correct and other theological positions are wrong. The non-Lutheran conservative will find himself in agreement when the doctrines of Scripture or justification are under discussion. Discussions about the two natures of Christ and the presence of his human nature in the Lord's Supper would be a point of disagreement.
I commend this book as an introduction to Lutheran theology and as an introduction to a Lutheran theologian who deserves to be widely read.

[Tim Landskroener · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a fascinating man. Not only does it tell his life story, it also examines his major writings and demonstrates their importance for Lutheran theology and belief.