The Holy Fool: Christian Faith and Theology in J.M.R. Lenz

by Timothy F. Pope

Previous studies have viewed Lenz's religion as a largely pathological phenomenon that was linked to the temporary lapses into insanity that he experienced after he was banished, at Goethe's insistence, from the court and city of Weimar. Pope reveals, however, that a dynamic shift in Lenz's faith had occurred four years before the debacle of Weimar. Coherent statements during those four years concerning the articles of his new faith, and a consistent application of faith to questions of poetry and dramatic theory, indicate that Lenz's contribution to the literary revolution of the 1770s was conditioned as much by a personal religious renewal as by enthusiasm for the aims and ideals of his generation. Theologically, Lenz's new convictions followed a path that led away from the neology of the late Enlightenment and pointed not only back to conservative traditions but also forward to the Christology of more modern times.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published November 19, 2003

Reviews

[Fr. Nicholas Blackwell, O. Carm. · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very niche book. It’s pretty much a theological biography of a 18th century writer in Germany. A writer trying to find a middle way between the extremes of Christian faith in his time. It’s very interesting if you’re one that likes to go deep into theological thoughts, or the importance of histories of ideas other than that, this is probably not a book for you.

[Gabrielle]

My dad wrote this book. I should probably read it!