Molanus, Gerhard Walther

Molanus, Gerhard Walther a German Lutheran theologian, was born at Hamen, on the Weser, November 1, 1633. He studied at the University of Helmstadt under Calixtus (q.v.). In 1659 he became professor of mathematics in the University of Rinteln, but in 1664 was made extraordinary, and soon after ordinary professor of theology in the same university, which position he retained until 1677. In the mean time he published various works, partly mathematical, partly theological. Among the latter we notice. De communicatione et praedicationae idiomatum, qua inter alia ostenditur humanam Christi naturam extrinsecus omnipotentema appellariposse (Rinteln, 1665), quite in the manner and method of Calixtus. In 1674 duke John Frederick of Hanover appointed him director of the consistory for that province, and in 1677 he became abbot of the convent of Loccum. He was very active in promoting union conferences with the Reformed and Roman Catholic theologians, and, although without success, he acquired the well-earned reputation of a peace-maker. This was especially shown in his efforts in behalf of the French Reformed, whom the revocation of the Edict of Nantes had driven to seek refuge in Germany. Duke John Frederick, who had himself returned to Romanism, wished to induce Molanus. to follow his example, but the latter withstood all his offers. Having, in his efforts for a union with the Romish Church, come in contact with Bossuet, Molanus conceded that the Eucharist "quodammodo proprie dici sacrificium;" also that "de conciliis cecumenicis legitime celebratis dico: Christus nunquam permittet ut ecclesia universalis in concilio aliquid fidei contrarium pronuntiet," etc. Yet he would not recognise as "legitime celebratum" the Council of Trent, which had condemned the Protestants without a hearing, and which was not universally recognised, for instance, in Germany. Molanus was accused of having gone over to Romanism, and therefore published in his defence Migae venales s. refutat. calumniar. etc. (1698). He died September 7, 1722. See J.v. Esinem, Leben G.W. Molani (Magdeb. 1724, 8vo); Kapp, Sammlung einige Briefe uber d. Vereinigung d. luth. u. ref. Theol. (Leips. 1745, 8vo); Schlegel, Kirchengesch. d. 18ten Jahrh. 1:559 sq.; 2:213 sq.; Schrockh, Kirchengesch. 7:83, 103 sq.: (J.N.P.)