Calvinism Christianity in the 16th century

ulrich zwingli, wearing scholar s cap.

ulrich zwingli swiss scholar , parish priest likewise influential in beginnings of protestant reformation. zwingli claimed theology owed nothing luther , had developed in 1516, before luther s famous protest, though doctrine of justification remarkably similar of luther. in 1518, zwingli given post @ wealthy collegiate church of grossmünster in zürich, remained until death. had risen prominence in city. zwingli began preaching version of reform, points aforementioned doctrine of justification, others (with luther vehemently disagreed) such position veneration of icons idolatry , violation of first commandment, , denial of real presence in eucharist. city council had accepted zwingli s doctrines, , zürich became focal point of more radical reforming movements. followers of zwingli pushed message , reforms far further had intended, such rejecting infant baptism. split between luther , zwingli formed essence of protestant division between lutheran , reformed theology. meanwhile, political tensions increased; zwingli , zürich leadership imposed economic blockade on inner catholic states of switzerland, led battle in zwingli, in full armor, slain along troops.

john calvin

john calvin french cleric , doctor of law. belonged second generation of reformation, publishing theological tome, institutes of christian religion, in 1536 (later revised) , establishing himself leader of reformed church in geneva, became unofficial capital of reformed christianity in second half of 16th century. exerted remarkable amount of authority in city , on city council, such has (rather ignominiously) been called protestant pope. calvin established eldership consistory, pastors , elders established matters of religious discipline genevan population. calvin s theology best known doctrine of (double) predestination, held god had, eternity, providentially foreordained saved (the elect) , likewise damned (the reprobate). predestination not dominant idea in calvin s works, seemingly become many of reformed successors.

following excommunication of luther , condemnation of reformation pope, work , writings of calvin influential in establishing loose consensus among various groups in switzerland, scotland, hungary, germany , elsewhere.

geneva became unofficial capital of protestant movement, led frenchman, jean calvin, until death when calvin s ally, zwingli, assumed spiritual leadership of group.