Abstract

This study focuses on Lutheran sermons at funerals of the fi rst generation of followers of the teachings of Martin Luther. It provides an analysis of the content of passages in which conversion to Lutheranism is described, with the aim of capturing topical schemes, the motivational and thematic construction of the narrative, and if possible the relationship of the text to previous literary tradition and similar genres, especially in comparison with other texts categorised as "conversion narratives". The specifi c quality of descriptions of conversions in funeral sermons relies on the fact that they are reports by somebody else, always composed by a priest who, thanks to his profession, enjoys special authority. Next, the descriptions of the conversions originated some time after the actual conversion, always in connection with the death of converts, and as a part of the consequent burial rituals and commemorative practices. Finally, they are parts of texts that were intended for the comfort and instruction of the bereaved and the creation of a good memorial for the deceased. These aspects provide some of the specifi c characteristics in descriptions of conversions in the funeral sermons, above all the extent of the description of post-conversion life, thus establishing the ideal behaviour and virtue of the convert. Another important motif is the successful culmination of the conversion through the keeping of the faith during the time of dying and death.