Mystical Terms in Johannes Altenstaig’s Vocabularius theologiae (1517)
Samuel J. Dubbelman, Erin Risch Zoutendam
Renaissance and Reformation December 9, 2024 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.33137/rr.v47i3.44461 via OpenAlex
Summary
The article translates mystical terms from Johannes Altenstaig’s 1517 work, Vocabularius theologiae, contributing to the understanding of Christian mysticism in the sixteenth century. It emphasizes the importance of compilations for students in revealing key aspects of mystical theology before the Reformation. Additionally, it analyzes Altenstaig's sources, indicating a reliance on recent compilations over classical texts.
Study at a glance
| Key finding | Altenstaig's work highlights the significance of compilations in understanding mystical theology just prior to the Reformation. |
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Abstract
This article contributes to the study of Christian mysticism in the sixteenth century by providing translations of mystical terms from Johannes Altenstaig’s Vocabularius theologiae (1517), including extasis, devotio, contemplatio, meditatio, mysticum, orare/oratio, raptus, theologia mystica, and unio. The introduction offers an overview of Altenstaig’s biography and the theological dictionary and highlights the significance of compilations, particularly those intended for student use, in reconstructing the fundamental characteristics of mystical theology on the eve of the Reformation. The notes to the translations provide a detailed analysis of the sources used by Altenstaig, suggesting the frequent use of recent compilations rather than the original classical texts.