1. **Early Reformation Historiography (16th Century)**:
– Dixon discusses how the earliest works on Luther and the Reformation were often polemical and biased, written by both Protestant and Catholic authors. These works tended to portray Luther in either a highly positive or highly negative light, depending on the author’s religious affiliation and perspective.
2. **Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries**:
– During this period, there was a shift towards more scholarly and critical approaches to the study of the Reformation. Scholars began to examine primary sources more closely and critically evaluate the events and figures of the Reformation.
– Dixon notes the importance of scholars like Johann Sleidan, Johannes Cochlaeus, and Matthias Flacius Illyricus, who produced significant historical works on Luther and the Reformation during this time.
3. **Nineteenth Century**:
– The nineteenth century saw the rise of a more objective and analytical approach to Reformation studies. Scholars began to employ more rigorous methods of historical analysis and sought to understand the Reformation within its broader social, political, and cultural contexts.
– Key figures in nineteenth-century Reformation historiography include Leopold von Ranke, Philip Schaff, and Karl Hagenbach, who made significant contributions to our understanding of Luther and the Reformation.
4. **Twentieth Century**:
– Dixon highlights the diverse range of approaches and perspectives that emerged in Reformation studies during the twentieth century. Scholars explored various aspects of the Reformation, including its theological, political, social, and cultural dimensions.
– Notable trends in twentieth-century Reformation historiography include the rise of social history, the influence of Marxist and feminist perspectives, and a renewed interest in the religious experiences of ordinary people during the Reformation.
– Dixon also discusses the impact of influential scholars such as Roland Bainton, Heiko Oberman, and Lewis Spitz, who played key roles in shaping the field of Reformation studies during this period.
5. **Twenty-First Century**:
– The twenty-first century has seen continued interest and innovation in Reformation studies, with scholars exploring new topics, methodologies, and perspectives. There is a growing emphasis on global and comparative approaches to the Reformation, as well as interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as literature, art history, and anthropology.
– Dixon points to the ongoing relevance of the Reformation as a subject of study, noting its enduring impact on religion, politics, culture, and society around the world.
Overall, Dixon’s essay provides a rich and nuanced overview of the major trends and works in Luther/Reformation studies over the past five centuries, highlighting the evolution of scholarly approaches and interpretations over time.