Johann Arndt in Anhalt (1581-1590): worldview search

The paper examines the least studied period of the works of the great German mystic, theologian, philosopher, doctor and alchemist J. Arndt. The hypothesis of the correspondence between J. Arndt and V. Weigel and the participation of J. Arndt in the works of the students of V. Weigel are rejected. The point of view of Professor W. Breul is adjusted, and the difference between the views of J. Arndt and the position of Lutheranism is proved. Seemingly keeping away from the concepts of Paracelsus, a famous natural philosopher of the Renaissance era, and converging with the Lutheranism, the pastor of Badeborn remained faithful to the doctrine of Paracelsus and independently developed some intuition of the latter. In the doctrine of the Eucharist, J. Arndt agreed with the physical presence of Christ in the Sacrament, and it corresponded to the views of both Paracelsus and M. Luther. Unlike the Lutheran theologians, J. Arndt emphasized the necessity and the power of exorcism in the sacrament of baptism that could be explained by some gnostic intuition of Paracelsus. While searching for his place in the Lutheran worldview, J. Arndt demonstrated creative independence that could help him create a unique work “True Christianity”.