Johann Gerhard

Timeline

1. 1598–1605Wittenberg · Saxony-AnhaltHe entered the University of Wittenberg in 1598, later studied at Jena and Marburg, received his master's degree in 1601 and a doctorate in theology in 1605, studying under Lutheran scholars such as Johann Apinus.
2. 1605–1612Jena · ThuringiaIn 1605 he became professor of theology at the University of Jena; from 1606 he began writing the volumes of Loci Theologici, systematically organizing Lutheran doctrine; in 1608 he also took up the office of church supervisor, participating in local church administration.
3. 1612–1616Erfurt · ThuringiaIn 1612 he moved to the University of Erfurt as professor of theology, continuing work on Loci Theologici and engaging in polemics against Calvinism, Anabaptism, and other currents, consolidating the Lutheran orthodox position.
4. 1616–1630Jena · ThuringiaIn 1616 he returned to Jena as professor of theology and general church supervisor of Saxe-Weimar; in the 1620s he completed the main body of Loci Theologici, and from 1621 to 1630 he led Lutheran orthodox doctrinal education, resisting Pietist and syncretist tendencies, becoming the representative figure of post-Reformation theological systematization in Germany.
5. 1630–1637Jena · ThuringiaIn the 1630s he continued writing and preaching, publishing devotional works such as Meditations on the Divine; in August 1637 he died of long overwork in Jena, and his Loci Theologici became the standard textbook of Lutheran seminaries well into the modern era.