Common Theological Topics: Loci Communes Theologici (1535)

Philip Melanchthon’s Loci Communes established the standard for Lutheran dogmatics; beginning as a modest work published in 1521, the Loci went through several substantial revisions throughout Melanchthon’s life, and served as the starting point for later dogmaticians, such as Martin Chemnitz and Johann Gerhard. As Luther’s coadjutor in the work of the Reformation, Melanchthon authored three of the documents which comprise the Book of Concord: The Augsburg Confession (1530), the Defense of the Augsburg Confession (1531), and the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope (1537). However, Melanchthon greatly-expanded second edition of the Loci Communes -the 1535 edition-has never before been published in English. Repristination Press is pleased to now publish Rev. Paul Rydecki’s translation of this crucial work. The 1535 Loci offers a further treatment of the various theological articles under contention in the Lutheran Reformation. Having Melanchthon’s extended insights on this topics allows students of theology to have a better grasp on the issues under contention in the Melanchthon’s contributions to the Book of Concord.