Ilman teologiaa

Ilman käsite Martti Lutherin metafysiikassa

Abstrakti

During the last few decades, discussion over climate change has become part of everyday journalism. This
has also invoked theological reflection as well as theologically based ‘climate programs’ (see e.g. ELCF’s
Gratitude-Respect-Moderation published in 2008). The notion of ‘air’, however, has not been examined to
the depth. The aim of this brief study is to probe into Martin Luther’s texts and provisionally search the
theologico-metaphysical locus of the term. In so doing, it is presupposed that Luther’s metaphysical approach
– especially his ‘real-ontic’ understanding of God’s participation – contributes to its meanings. ‘Air’
(Lufft, aer) is not only a central metaphor in describing this presence but it also captures the meanings
of being a ‘principle’, a sign and a necessity of corporeal life. Besides this, ‘air’ also represents primordial
chaos and, as such, it can also be conceived as a realm of devilish powers. This leads to consider ‘air’ from
the side of Martin Luther’s theology of the cross.