The real and revelation, the development and function of the doctrine of original sin in Phillip Melanchthon

grantor: University of St. Michael's CollegeThis work seeks to examine the importance of the doctrine of Original Sin in understanding Melanchthon's anthropology and then how the doctrine can also serve as a reliable indicator in relation to certain key areas of Melanchthon's theology and theological method. The conclusions derived from the thesis argue that Melanchthon is best understood not out of a proximity to proto-rationalism (the so called Melanchthon blight), but rather his proximity to an emerging Lutheranism. The work seeks to trace Melanchthon's usage of the doctrine synchronically across the familial editions of the Loci Communes carefully arguing the epistemological ramification of the doctrine in light of Revelation. As such, the work also attempts to explain the theological and historical motives for changes--real and apparent--within Melanchthon's thought and compare this to the emerging Lutheran orthodoxy.M.A