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Nikolaus SelneckerGerman Lutheran theologian and author of Christian hymns
Country:
 Germany |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- Academic and Pastoral Career
- Continued Career and Hymn Writing
- Last Years and Legacy
Early Life and Education
Nicolaus Selnecker, a German Lutheran theologian and hymn writer, was born in 1530 to Georg Selnecker, a notary, and Dorothea. From 1534 onwards, he resided in Nuremberg with his parents. At a young age, Selnecker developed a passion for music and became the organist of Nuremberg's Burgkapelle in 1542.
On April 29, 1550, he commenced his studies at the University of Wittenberg. Through his father's friendship with Philipp Melanchthon, he frequented the latter's household. Under Melanchthon's guidance, Selnecker earned a Master of Liberal Arts degree on July 31, 1554.
Academic and Pastoral Career
On May 1, 1555, Selnecker joined the teaching staff of the Philosophical Faculty, becoming its dean in the summer of 1556. He firmly adhered to Melanchthon's theological views, which he perceived as consistent with Luther's teachings. In 1557, Melanchthon recommended Selnecker for the position of third preacher at the court in Dresden.
After accepting the invitation, Selnecker was ordained as a pastor on February 1, 1558. On February 14, 1560, he was appointed as tutor to the children of Elector Augustus. Selnecker's career as a court preacher ended abruptly due to his criticism of the elector's passion for hunting.
Continued Career and Hymn Writing
In March 1565, Selnecker became a Professor of Theology at Jena, but was forced to leave two years later due to a conflict with Gnesio-Lutherans. Elector Augustus subsequently appointed him Professor of Theology at Leipzig in 1568.
On May 10, 1570, Selnecker obtained a doctorate from the University of Wittenberg. He then became General Superintendent of Braunschweig, where he once again clashed with Gnesio-Lutherans, including Martin Chemnitz and Jacob Andreae. During this period, he composed the hymn "Lass mich dein sein und bleiben."
Last Years and Legacy
In 1572, Selnecker moved to Oldenburg, where he helped establish the University of Helmstedt. He also collaborated on the Oldenburg church order in 1573. In 1574, he accepted an invitation to become the pastor of St. Thomas Church in Leipzig and, in 1576, became the superintendent and head of the theology faculty.
As such, Selnecker was commissioned by the elector to assist with the drafting of the Formula of Concord. After the death of Elector Augustus, Selnecker fell out of favor with the new elector, Christian, who leaned towards Calvinism. He lived in Magdeburg until he was appointed Superintendent of Hildesheim in October 1590.
With the accession of Christian II, a supporter of Lutheran orthodoxy, in 1591, Selnecker was able to return to Leipzig. However, he passed away shortly after his return and was buried with honors in the Thomas Church.
Throughout his career, Selnecker published 170 works, including the "Historia Lutheri" (1575) and the history of the "Augsburg Confession" (1584), and was involved in the creation of the Book of Concord. Additionally, he composed approximately 120 hymns, many of which are still included in Lutheran hymnals.
