Lei e liberdade em Filipe Melanchthon: o percurso até o terceiro uso da lei e a configuração de um horizonte religioso-moral

Abstract

This dissertation presents an analysis of the third use of the law established by Philip Melanchthon (1497-1560) based on his Loci Theologici, in its three reference periods. This work was written during the Protestant Reformation (16th century) and represents the first systematic description of Reformation theology. Its purpose was to highlight the most fundamental points of Christian doctrine, and it was edited by Melanchthon throughout his life. It therefore contains the entire evolution of the author's thinking. The theme of the law is fundamental to this work and also has an important place in Melanchthon’s thinking, since it acquired its own characteristic development, especially with regard to the concept of the uses of the law. Even though this concept of uses is well known in the context of the Reformation, Melanchthon treated the theme in his own way. Based on this, the objective of this work is to understand how, in the Loci, Melanchthon moves from the two uses of the law to the formulation of a third use, and how this movement expresses the maturation of his thought. The hypothesis of the study is that the development of the theme of freedom – especially considering the transformation contained in this concept, which shifts from a deterministic position to an understanding that balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility – contributed significantly to the establishment of the third use of the law in the thinking of the humanist and reformer, leading him to the constitution of a religious-moral horizon in which the law assumes a guiding role in the life of the regenerated person. The methodology of the study consists in a bibliographic review, which starts from the analysis of the author's fundamental text, the Loci, in its three periods, contained in volume 21 of the Corpus Reformatorum. In addition, the research also draws on other primary texts by the author and translations of his work into English and Portuguese, with editions from 1521, 1535, 1543, 1555, and 1559. A dialogue with Melanchthon’s commentators is also sought. Ultimately, it is hoped that this research will contribute to a more refined understanding of the philosophical and theological aspects of Philip Melanchthon, especially in Brazil. It is expected that this research contributes to a more refined knowledge of philosophical theological aspects of Phillip Melanchthon’s work, particularly in Brazil. Furthermore, it is aimed that the study helps in the construction of a sober and critical understanding of the author’s philosophical and religious ideas. Finally, it is also expected that the study offers tools for a critical reading of the role of religious ideas in shaping ways of acting in the world.