Reformationsgedenken in der Frühen Neuzeit Bemerkungen zum 16. bis 18. Jahrhundert

The first anniversary of the Reformation in 1617 was based on broad »historical knowledge« of Luther and the beginnings of the Reformation, implemented in Lutheran societies during the second half of the sixteenth century by different means of remembrance. In sermons given on New Year's Day in 1600, Lutheran preachers presented several of the central ideas and themes that were going to be characteristic of the anniversary of 1617. The origins of Reformation Day are not to be found in the anniversary of October 31th; they lie in the anniversary of 1617. The rivalries between the different groups of Protestantism prevented the celebration of the anniversary as a demonstration of Protestant strength and unity. In the context of the anniversary, Luther's person was monumentalized in an eminent way. The history of the Reformation anniversary in early modern times reflects the pluralization process of Protestantism. The 2017 Reformation anniversary should represent the diversity of Protestantism on the global horizon.