Michael Diller, Augustinerprior und evangelischer Prediger in Speyer, als Geächteter in Straßburg bei Bucer (1548/49) und als "Interimsflüchtling" in Basel (1549-1552)

Abstract

Michael Diller, the Augustinian prior in Speyer, was something of an anomaly amongst the reformers of the Imperial cities in the south and southwest of the Empire. That difference stemmed in part from the particular status of Speyer within the Empire, and in part from Diller's own reticence and controversy-averse personality. Additionally, we know remarkably little of Diller’s background (he came from the diocese of Speyer) and of his education (he matriculated in Wittenberg in 1523); we remain uncertain about exactly when and where he entered the order. Diller is also unusual in that he retained his position as prior up until his banishment from Speyer. He proved particular effective as an evangelical preacher precisely because of his irreproachable behavior as an Augustinian monk. This study fills in some of the gaps in our knowledge of Diller’s life after 1548 and brings clarity to numerous ambiguities. We are now aware that in spring 1549, before fleeing to Basel, Diller found refuge for several months in Strasbourg with Martin Bucer (and Conrad Hubert) and he self-identified as Bucer's pupil by that date at the latest. This relationship explains why in 1552, on being appointed as court preacher by Otto Henry, Count Palatine of Palatinate-Neuburg, he had in his possession a manuscript of Bucer and why he recommended Bucer's writings be published, although not without reservation. And, finally, we now also know the dates of his involvement in the small town of Laufen, in the territory of Basel, and have evidence for the first time that while in Laufen he was married, as had become common amongst preachers; his wife was the widow of his predecessor.