ABSTRACT
In Chapter 11, Risto Saarinen examines the recognition terminology that Martin Luther employs in his Exposition of the Song of Songs (Lectures 1530–31, Print 1539). Luther describes the distribution of power between God, the king, the spiritual leaders, and the state. In order that human political and spiritual powers work properly, the rulers must recognize (agnoscere) the gifts and benefits of God. When God speaks, a special commendation (commendatio) is given to establish the political structure. This commendation needs to be recognized by human rulers. In many ways, Luther continues the medieval tradition as elaborated by Bernard of Clairvaux and Thomas Aquinas. The present paper thus enriches the intellectual history of recognition outlined in Saarinen’s book Recognition and Religion (Oxford 2016). As this text of Luther has been neglected and misunderstood in the scholarship, Saarinen also provides a close reading of its contents, organized as a dialogue between the bridegroom (God) and the bride (Solomon, or the state). While Luther’s decision to interpret the Song of Songs as political allegory is original, he also continues Bernard’s reading of the text as a discourse on spiritual relationship between God and God’s people. As the political rule is manifested in terms of bridal activity, politics and kingship contain a number of seemingly feminine features. Luther’s strong emphasis on peace as the primary aim of the ruler emerges from this context. Moreover, the spiritual teachers display feminine characters (delicate breasts, rosy lips, etc.). Saarinen argues that Luther’s view of theological masculinity must be broadened to understand these features adequately.
