Scala Christus est: Reassessing the Historical Context of Martin Luther's Theology of the Cross

Giovanni Tortoriello challenges the dominant narrative on the relationships between humanism,the Renaissance, and the Reformation by reconstructing the debates that characterized the early Reformation movements. He shows that Martin Luther's theology of the cross developed in reaction to the irenic tendencies of the Renaissance and that Platonism, Hermeticism, and Kabbalah played a significant role in the debates.

Format: Hardback
Length: 401 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: JCB Mohr (Paul Siebeck)

Since the nineteenth century, scholars have engaged in a heated debate surrounding the intricate relationships between humanism, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. Challenging the prevailing narrative on the subject, Giovanni Tortoriello delves into the debates that characterized the early Reformation movements. Through his meticulous reconstruction, he reveals that Martin Luther's theology of the cross emerged as a response to the irenic tendencies prevalent during the Renaissance. As Platonism, Hermeticism, and Kabbalah gained widespread popularity in the fifteenth century, the identity of Christianity underwent a significant transformation, blurring the boundaries between different religions. In response to this effort to minimize religious differences, Luther emphasized the centrality and uniqueness of the salvific event of the cross, reaffirming its significance in the face of these challenges. However, confessional biases and theological prejudices have obscured the significant role that Platonism, Hermeticism, and Christian Kabbalah played in the early Reformation debates. Tortoriello's work reconstructs these controversies and places Luther's theology of the cross within the historical context of its time.

Since the nineteenth century, scholars have engaged in a heated debate surrounding the intricate relationships between humanism, the Renaissance, and the Reformation. Challenging the prevailing narrative on the subject, Giovanni Tortoriello delves into the debates that characterized the early Reformation movements. Through his meticulous reconstruction, he reveals that Martin Luther's theology of the cross emerged as a response to the irenic tendencies prevalent during the Renaissance. As Platonism, Hermeticism, and Kabbalah gained widespread popularity in the fifteenth century, the identity of Christianity underwent a significant transformation, blurring the boundaries between different religions. In response to this effort to minimize religious differences, Luther emphasized the centrality and uniqueness of the salvific event of the cross, reaffirming its significance in the face of these challenges. However, confessional biases and theological prejudices have obscured the significant role that Platonism, Hermeticism, and Christian Kabbalah played in the early Reformation debates. Tortoriello's work reconstructs these controversies and places Luther's theology of the cross within the historical context of its time.

Weight: 739g
ISBN-13: 9783161614729