Luther's Theology of Music

Lutheran theology is joyous spirituality, that fully appreciates the beauty of the world and is deeply affective by nature, cherishing the human emotions and imagination. Music was for Luther an excellent gift of God that was close to theology. The sweetness of music is something that has puzzled Christian theologians for centuries. In this study, Luther’s theology of music is approached from the point of view of pleasure. It examines the significance of joy, beauty and pleasure in relationship with music and Luther’s theology. The notion of music as the supreme gift of God requires also a discussion about the idea of ‘gift’. Music opens up new perspectives into Luther’s thinking. Luther has seldom been reckoned among aesthetic theologians. Nevertheless, Luther has a peculiar view on beauty, understanding faith as a kind of aesthetic contemplation.