Martin Chemnitz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Martin Chemnitz
Born	9 November 1522 Treuenbrietzen, Margraviate of Brandenburg in the Holy Roman Empire
Died	8 April 1586 (aged 63) Braunschweig, Duchy of Brunswick-Lüneburg in the Holy Roman Empire
Era	Reformation
Notable work	Formula of Concord (with Jakob Andreae), Book of Concord (1580), (with Jakob Andreae)

Martin Chemnitz (born November 9, 1522 – died April 8, 1586) was an important German Christian thinker and a leader of the Protestant Reformation. He was a key figure in the Lutheran church. People sometimes called him Alter Martinus, meaning "the Second Martin." This was a way to say that he was almost as important as Martin Luther himself. There's a saying about him: "If Martin [Chemnitz] had not come along, Martin [Luther] would hardly have survived." He is remembered in the church calendar as a pastor and a strong defender of his faith.

Early Life and Education

Chemnitz was born in Treuenbrietzen, a town in Brandenburg. His parents were Paul and Euphemia Chemnitz. He was the youngest of three children. His father was a successful merchant, but he passed away when Martin was only eleven. After that, his family faced money problems.

Starting His Studies

When he was old enough, Martin went to school in Magdeburg. After finishing his studies there, he became a weaver's helper. He worked in his family's clothing business for a few years. When he turned 20, he went back to school at the University of Frankfurt (Oder). He stayed until he ran out of money. Then, he took a job teaching in Wriezen. He also earned extra money by collecting sales tax on fish. His time at Frankfurt gave him the skills to keep learning on his own. He loved to research topics he was interested in.

Learning from Great Thinkers

In 1545, Chemnitz went with his cousin, Georg Sabinus, to the University of Wittenberg in Germany. He studied there from 1545 to 1547. During this time, he learned from famous reformers like Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon. Melanchthon taught him how to think about theology, especially the difference between "law" and "gospel." Chemnitz later said that he didn't pay as much attention to Luther's lectures as he should have.

After Luther's death and due to political events, Chemnitz moved to the University of Königsberg (1547–1548). He earned his Master of Arts degree in 1548. However, a sickness spread in Königsberg, so Chemnitz quickly left for Saalfeld.

Becoming a Librarian and Theologian

In 1550, Chemnitz felt it was safe to return to Königsberg. He got a job working for Albert, Duke of Prussia. He became the court librarian for the Konigsberg State and University Library. This was one of the best libraries in Europe at the time. In exchange for taking care of the library and teaching a few classes, he could use all its books. This library was later damaged and lost during World War II.

For the first time, Chemnitz could fully focus on studying theology. He started by reading the Bible in its original languages, Hebrew and Greek. He wanted to find answers to questions that had puzzled him. Next, he studied the writings of early Christian thinkers, called the Fathers of the Church. He read their works slowly and carefully. Then, he looked at current theological issues, taking many notes. This way of self-study was suggested by Melanchthon.

His Work as a Reformer and Church Leader

In 1553, Chemnitz moved back to Wittenberg and stayed with Melanchthon. In January 1554, he joined the Wittenberg University as a teacher. He gave lectures on Melanchthon's Loci Communes, which are like common topics in theology. From these lectures, Chemnitz created his own system of theology called Loci Theologici.

Leading the Church

On November 26, 1554, he became a minister. He worked with Joachim Mörlin, who was a church leader in the Duchy of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel. When Mörlin retired in 1567, Chemnitz took over his role. He stayed in this important position for the rest of his life.

Under Chemnitz's guidance, Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel became strongly Evangelical Lutheran. He also helped Duke Julius of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel set up the University of Helmstedt (1575–76).

Writing the Formula of Concord

Chemnitz played a huge role in bringing German Lutherans together. With others like Jakob Andreae and David Chytraeus, he helped write and publish the Formula of Concord in 1577. This document helped Lutherans agree on important beliefs. Chemnitz was one of the main authors.

He was also very important in publishing the Book of Concord: Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1580. This book gathered many important Lutheran documents, teachings, and catechisms. It became the official guide for what the Evangelical Lutheran Church believes.

Other major books he wrote include Examen Concilii Tridentini (Examination of the Council of Trent) and De Duabis Naturis in Christo (On the Two Natures in Christ). These works show that Martin Chemnitz was a skilled theologian who understood the Bible, church teachings, and history. He passed away in Braunschweig.

Important Writings

Martin Chemnitz wrote many books and papers during his life. Here are some of his most famous works:

Theological Books

• Examination of the Council of Trent: This book looked closely at the teachings of the Council of Trent, which was a meeting of the Catholic Church. Chemnitz explained why Lutherans disagreed with some of their ideas.
• Loci Theologici: This was his own system of theology, explaining Christian beliefs in an organized way.
• On the Two Natures in Christ: This book discussed the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully human.
• The Lord's Supper: This work explained the Lutheran understanding of the Lord's Supper (also known as Holy Communion).

Other Writings

• Autobiography: Chemnitz wrote about his own life and experiences.
• Harmony of the Gospels: This book tried to combine the stories of Jesus from the four Gospels into one clear account.
• Postils: These were collections of sermons that explained the Bible readings for Sundays and holidays throughout the church year.