„Luther's Two Letters of Consolation from Erfurt (1532): On the Linguistic and Literary Construction of Resonance”

These letters will be examined within their historical-theological, rhetorical, linguistic, literary, and broader transmission contexts. A key question explored will be how Luther, through a deliberate linguistic construction of resonance, enables these documents to "speak" as letters of consolation—and thus also to "act."

The persuasive power of the letters arises not only from Luther’s varied strategies, such as addressing each recipient in a different "tone," but also from their embedding in contemporary discourses that remain relevant today. Specifically, the letters address how City Captain Jonas von Stockhausen could overcome his depressive state and be prevented from taking his own life. Luther’s—at times highly pragmatic—suggestions continue to resonate across nearly 500 years into the present.

Additionally, both letters of consolation quickly transitioned from private documents into the public sphere. They were published anonymously during Luther’s lifetime and later with the recipients' full names. This media transformation and the possibilities for its digital exploration will also be discussed in the lecture.

Attendees will have the opportunity to view the original Luther letters on-site.