Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
History shows that Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a devout member of
the Lutheran faith. Studying Bach’s life reveals that two sects of Lutheranism were the
most influential to him, Orthodoxy and Pietism. A brief historical study of these two
sects’ founders and their theology are presented in this document. All of Bach’s
compositions are a reflection of his Christian beliefs but none is greater than his St.
Matthew Passion. Although Bach is known to be a member of the Orthodox
denomination, by observing the parallels between the beliefs of the two sects and the St. Matthew Passion, this document reveals Bach to take a more liberal view. This thesis intends to show that Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is a universal piece of Christian music that transcends religious denomination. Ultimately, Bach’s faith was centered on Jesus Christ and His message.
the Lutheran faith. Studying Bach’s life reveals that two sects of Lutheranism were the
most influential to him, Orthodoxy and Pietism. A brief historical study of these two
sects’ founders and their theology are presented in this document. All of Bach’s
compositions are a reflection of his Christian beliefs but none is greater than his St.
Matthew Passion. Although Bach is known to be a member of the Orthodox
denomination, by observing the parallels between the beliefs of the two sects and the St. Matthew Passion, this document reveals Bach to take a more liberal view. This thesis intends to show that Bach’s St. Matthew Passion is a universal piece of Christian music that transcends religious denomination. Ultimately, Bach’s faith was centered on Jesus Christ and His message.
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