Jochen Arnold discusses the question to which extent Bach's music reflects Lutheran theology. Various hints suggest a strong influence of Lutheran theology in his work. First of all, Bach's personal religious socialization was Lutheran which is indicated by his use of a Bible in Luther's translation, a Lutheran hymn book, Luther's catechism. Hutter's compendium and even a personal theological library which contained e. g. Luther's "Hauspostille" and several books of Lutheran scholars such as Johann Olearius, Heinrich Müller etc. All these literary tools hint at his strong interest in Bible and (Lutheran) theology. Second, the impact of Lutheran theology in Bach's works is manifested by central subjects such as justification by faith, Deus absconditus/revelatus, ethics, Sacraments and Cult, Music and Trinitarian theology (2). Arnold suggests to classify Bach's oeuvre in four sections. Bach's organ works can be called 'Catechismus sonorous' (cf Luther's catechism and many hymns), the Passions and Oratories are linked with the narrative and kerygmatic tradition of the Bible, the Masses can rnainly be interpreted as liturgical prayer or celebrated doxology (3.1-3.3.). Bach's Cantatas, however, reconcile all of these aspects, and even more: they represent the ecclesiastical year (linked with the gospel for every Sunday), confess faith, proclaim God's Word and celebrate God (3.4.). The article argues this perspective by focussing on four theological aspects in Bach's Cantatas: 'Deus absconditus/revelatus' (BWV 21 and BWV 2); 'law and gospel' (BWV 168), 'ethics' (BWV 163) and 'trinitarian theology' (BWV 129; 76).

Enthalten in:
Kerygma und Dogma; 2014/1 Zeitschrift für theologische Forschung und kirchliche Lehre (2014)

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Serie / Reihe: Kerygma und Dogma

Personen: Arnold, Jochen

Schlagwörter: Musik Luthertum Lutherische Theologie Bach, Johann Sebastian Kantate