Analysing Balthasar Münter's texts from 1772-1793, this book sheds light upon how a theological authorship may change according to different political conditions. The book is a contribution to the understanding of theological development in protestant countries in late eighteenth century.

Introduction Why Balthasar Münter? Textual sources and theoretical perspectives 1: Balthasar Münter – his life and work in Copenhagen Who was Balthasar Münter? Münter's writings Saint-Petri Church 2: Münter during the Høegh-Guldberg Government, 1772-84. Texts and contexts The context of church policy: Høegh-Guldberg's understanding of the Bible as a normative text The theological context The context of eighteenth century church service Sermon ideals in Denmark-Norway Balthasar Münter's texts. Geistliche Lieder 1772-74. Predigten über die gewöhnliche Sonntagsevangelien, 1778-84 Anleitung zur Erkenntnis und Ausübung des christlichen Glaubens 3: Analysis: Balthasar Münter and contemporary theological and cultural movements, 1772-84 Münter's goal: Devotion Münter's neological inheritance The legacy of Copenhagen's circle of poets: the function of hymns in the church service Münter versus Bastholm: The sermon as rhetoric Summary: Balthasar Münter's preaching from 1772-84 4: Münter during the Bernstorff government, 1785-93: Texts and contexts The political and societal frame: A new government - a new society The frame of church policy: Changes in the relationship between the state and the church The social context: German elite culture in Copenhagen – the salons of the German aristocracy and their esoteric interests Balthasar Münter's texts Oeffentliche Vorträge, 1785-93 5: Analysis: Balthasar Münter and contemporary theological and cultural movements, 1785-93 Comparative perspectives on Münter's development: 1772-84 and 1785-93 Münter during the Bernstorff era: Four aspects of theology, social life and literature 6: Enlightened preaching - Balthasar Münter 1772-93 Münter's intention in writing Contributing to the Enlightenment Bibliography Appendix 1: Pericopes in Predigten über die gewöhnlichen Sonntagsevangelien in Verbindung mit anderen Schriften Appendix 2: Pericopes in Oeffentliche Vorträge über die Reden und Begebenheiten Jesu Index   Introduction Why Balthasar Münter? The German theologian and pastor Balthasar Münter (1735-93) is known primarily for being the spiritual advisor of Johann Friedrich Struensee (1735-72) at the time when Struensee was sentenced to death for his illegitimate leadership of Denmark-Norway in 1772. Struensee came to power in 1770 and rapidly introduced radical reforms and liberal attitudes that were