Duration: From 1984 to 1996

Andreas Osiander (1496–8/1552) was always overshadowed by the great Reformers—Luther, Melanchthon, Zwingli, and Calvin. It was not until the publication of the ten-volume collected works of his writings, sermons, expert opinions, and correspondence that his multifaceted significance for the history of the Reformation came to light. Active as a preacher for the Reformation in the imperial city of Nuremberg since , he played a decisive role in shaping its destiny until 1548. Since he refused to comply with the reversal of Reformation gains—which had been forced by the emperor and implemented by the city council—he left Nuremberg and spent his final years, until his death in 1552, as a professor at the newly founded University of Königsberg. Among the local followers of Luther and Melanchthon, a dispute arose over his Christology and doctrine of justification, with the result that his reputation among the Reformers remained tarnished from that point on.

This volume documents Osiander’s comprehensive contribution to the history of the Reformation in Nuremberg and his positions—as original as they were controversial—in the theological debates of the 16th century. The church constitution for Brandenburg-Nuremberg, which he played a key role in drafting, became a model for many later church constitutions. His catechism sermons were published in large print runs and were also translated into English and even Icelandic. As an expert on medieval Jewish traditions, he defended the Jews against allegations of ritual murder and other suspicions.