Johann Latermann

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Johann Latermann (born July 2, 1620 in Gellershausen , † 1662 in Austria) was a German Lutheran theologian .

Life

Johann Latermann was born on July 2, 1620 in Gellershausen near Coburg as the son of a clergyman there. Shortly after his birth, his father was transferred to Quedlinburg , so that Latermann received training here and finally moved to the University of Helmstedt to study theology , and later to the University of Rostock . Through his appearance he was able to ingratiate himself and thus already receive opportunities at a young age that were otherwise only open to older people, which ensured that they looked down enviously on Latermann. This disputed already in 1643 when Georg Calixtus and so received the master's degree . He also found a patroness in Duchess Anna Sophia von Brandenburg , who was friends with Calixt. This had founded a lyceum in Schöningen , where Latermann was presumably a teacher and could preach to the Duchess. Thanks to her he also took part in the Thorner Religious Discussion . Over time, however, the conversation degenerated into quarrels and Latermann moved to Koenigsberg , where the Duchess had gone for her niece's wedding and Latermann had probably invited him. Here, the 25-year-old Latermann than impressed Hofprediger before the Duchess and the elector latter so as to him in 1647 for extraordinary theology professor at the University of Königsberg summoned. On July 22, 1647, Latermann received his doctorate in theology from the University of Rostock.

At the university, the Calixt critic Cölestin Myslenta took a stand against this important Calixt student. When Latermann was offered a position as a chaplain or deacon at the church in the old town, the congregation ultimately refused at Myslenta's instigation. In addition, he demonstrated in his disputation of 1646 de aeterna dei praedestinatione alleged heresy. Other clergymen initiated by Myslenta also wanted to indict Latermann with the authorities. His election to the community would have turned out positive, but he finally broke off his application, and the elector finally appointed him second preacher to the castle. Myslenta meanwhile continued to take action against Latermann and his like-minded people. He had Latermann's disputation, which he had made controversial, sent to other theological faculties in order to censor them. The dispute was all about Latermann's Lutheran orthodoxy . Most of the Wittenbergers supported him because they were oriented towards orthodoxy. Finally the matter culminated in a dispute between Helmstedt and Königsberg, as a result of which violent pamphlets were exchanged. The dispute ended in 1657 when Latermann was appointed superintendent in Derenburg and Myslenta died the following year.

When things had calmed down, he went to Austria as a field preacher , where he died in 1662. In retrospect, he was judged negatively; the residents of Helmstedt, who had shared his views, did not agree with his character, Calixt regretted recommending his pupil, and his Helmstedt teacher Konrad Hornejus had told him that he would not be a good person.

Footnotes

  1. ↑ See the entry of Johann Latermann's matriculation in the Rostock matriculation portal
  2. ↑ See the entry of Johann Latermann's doctorate in the Rostock matriculation portal

literature

personal data
SURNAME Latermann, Johann
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Latermann, Johannes
BRIEF DESCRIPTION German Lutheran theologian
DATE OF BIRTH July 2, 1620
PLACE OF BIRTH Gellershausen
DATE OF DEATH 1662
Place of death Austria