Always arguing for preserving Luther’s theological legacy, Flacius attempted to spread his influence in the political realm and constantly addressed regional rulers in Germany and beyond in his wide-ranging correspondence and through book dedications. He was active in both intra- and interconfessional relations: His stream of Gnesio-Lutheranism stood in contrast to the more irenic Melanchthonian influence and therefore very critical of it. At the same time, he was also very active in trying to curtail the spread of the Reformed faith opposing both Swiss and Heidelberg catechisms.

It was also with this goal that Flacius engaged in correspondence with the Danish king Christian III. Three letters have been preserved in Rigsarkivet and a book dedication to him from early 1558, as well as a dedication to Christian’s son, Frederick II. All of these documents show that Flacius was trying to propagate his strand of Lutheranism in Denmark through this little-known epistolary exchange. Flacius also corresponded with the king’s personal physician in Copenhagen.

This lecture will briefly present the various stations in Flacius’ life, discuss his most important theological positions and also his understanding of the societal and political ramifications of these. Special attention will be given to his connections to the Danish rulers and to the efforts of trying to spread his views across Europe.