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Abstract
This study explores how four reformers of early sixteenth-century Christianity—Desiderius Erasmus, Martin Luther, Andreas Bodenstein von Karlstadt, and John Calvin—understood letter and spirit and employed these terms in the discussions and debates of the period. A close analysis of each theologian's writings provides a detailed mapping or description of his understanding and use. The analyses also demonstrate that in their writings these terms were used as a theological commonplace—that is, as a familiar expression embodying an argument that could be used both rhetorically and analytically to address a wide range of topics or issues. This theological commonplace drew on Paul's familiar maxim—“The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6)—to express their convictions about what is truly renewing in the life of Christians and Christian communities. A series of comparisons illustrates the distinctive ways they used this commonplace to address issues related to language, law, God's spirit and the human person. Another set of comparisons with three landmarks in Augustine's writings provides the basis for a concluding argument that this analysis provides a more adequate accounting of letter and spirit in the Reformation period than does Gerhard Ebeling's distinction between “Origenistic” and “Augustinian” understandings.
