Johann von Staupitz, Ein nutzbarliches Büchlein

Description

Johannes von Staupitz (c.1467/68-1524) was the vicar general of the German congregation of Observant Augustinian Hermits and thus the superior of the order, pastor and patron of Martin Luther (1483-1546). The religious theology of Staupitz, based on everyday practice and pastoral care, was oriented in particular towards Paul and Augustine and became evident in his Advent sermons in Nuremberg of 1516. These sermons appeared in 1517 under the title "Ein nutzbarliches büchlein von der entlichen volziehung ewiger fürsehung" (A useful little booklet about the final accomplishment of eternal salvation). Staupitz's German-language sermons in the Augustinian monastery of the imperial city in the winter of 1516 and spring 1517 addressed a circle of distinguished Nuremberg citizens who met in the refectory of the Augustinian monastery for discussions. Members of Staupitz's circle of friends were, among others, the council secretary Lazarus Spengler (1479-1534), the painter Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528) and the legal adviser of the city government, Christoph Scheurl (1481-1542). The latter devised the name of the circle: "Sodalitas Staupitziana". The theology of Staupitz brought people close to the Reformation even before it happened. Members of the Sodalitas Staupitziana met Luther personally during his stay in Nuremberg in 1518. They read Luther's writings and became followers of the reformer; the circle of friends changed into the "Sodalitas Martiniana". Spengler and others from this circle were significantly involved in the implementation of the Reformation in the imperial city. Datum: 201