Abstract

Veit Neumann:
Excursion from the Homeland of Reformation to the “Pietà” of Pfeiffering
(FKTh 2013-1, p. 52–67)

The article deals with the literary impact of Theology throughout the confessional diversity by means of a novel by Thomas Mann, where in this case one can assume a natural connection or even a familiar resemblance with cultural Protestantism. One cannot advocate a theological rigor in Thomas Mann’s literary statements. This becomes even more apparent in the case of Roman Catholicism. Catholic topoi are showcased. Their literary treatment correspond much more so to literary necessity than to theological consideration. Religious statements are assigned to characters whilst missing inner logical consistency. But the religious complexity in the character of Thomas Mann cannot per se be held responsible for these numerous inconsistencies. Research in this area based upon Mann’s novel “Doctor Faustus” shows that Mann after all does allow a positively connoted notion of Marian Catholicism to slip into a surprisingly relevant position (Yahya Elsaghe) of the novel’s text. Equally the accounts of Else Schweigestill in the pose of the Pieta stand out. These however are bound by the return of Adrian Leverkühn – the imagined Christ? – into the “reformation heartland”.