Apie galimą teologinę pataisą Mažvydo knygoje Forma Chrikꭍtima (1559)
On a Possible Theological Correction in Mažvydas’s Forma Chrikstima (1559)

Summary/Abstract: A quiet discussion on possible “theological” corrections in the oldest Baltic texts has been unfolding among scholars since the late 20th century. To date, such corrections have been identified in an episodic and unsystematic manner, and a unified effort is likely to emerge only once a critical mass of cases has been gathered, making evident the need for a structured investigation. William R. Schmalstieg discussed several such corrections distinguishing the first and second Old Prussian catechisms (1545), while Letas Palmaitis, in comparing the Creed across all three editions, raised the possibility that the first catechism may have been banned as heretical. By extending the scope beyond Old Prussian, another potential instance of “theological” correction now emerges in the case of Mažvydas’ Lithuanian Forma Chrikſtima (1559), which I have shown, contrary to prevailing opinion, was translated from the German Form der Tauff (1559). Viewed in this light, specific lexical choices made in Mažvydas’ translation may now be reconsidered as intentional theological corrections.

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