Great Reformers
The protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century was not an accident. The late fifteenth century and the early sixteenth century were a fertile ground for religious upheaval. This time is considered as a time of revolutionary. This was a time when not only ecclesiastical and religious reforms were taking place, but much more was seen within the Church.
The protestant Reformation found in its time many elements of support which had been lacking before. At this time the Reformation stood at the center of attention. Also at this time civilization was attributed to the Reformation that was taking place at this time in history (sixteenth century). It is often said that Martin Luther paved way for the modern authoritarianism, particularly in the political sphere by opposing the radical and economical movements of his time and by his encouragement of political authority in the new evangelical churches.[1]
Although Calvin is seen as the most important systematizer of the protestant theology in the sixteenth century, he was born several years after Luther who was considered as a trailblazer in the Reformation movement. He was more concerned with the doctrine which could bring the Protestants together as a unified body. Luther on the other hand was pushed for salvation and justification which he taught came by faith. However, Calvin was more involved in the totality
of the Christian person, thus did not follow too much of Luther’s Justification. When Calvin appeared in the scene of history, he was considered as a member of the second order generation of protestant Reformation. In contrast to Luther, Calvin did not have to plow new religious grounds. He could rely upon what those who had preceded him had already stated and affirmed.
The Reformation led by the reformers produces new types of churches. Their character was determined by many factors, among which the religious factor was one. But it is good to note that the impetus that brought them to being was the reformers conception of the church. As said earlier the times were ripe for church. In the cause of discoveries, and development, the Reformation entered into a connection with these new cultural trends and thus became a factor in the modern phase of civilization.[2]
[1] Pauck Wilhelm. The heritage of the Reformation. (Oxford University Press, 1961) p4
The protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century was not an accident. The late fifteenth century and the early sixteenth century were a fertile ground for religious upheaval. This time is considered as a time of revolutionary. This was a time when not only ecclesiastical and religious reforms were taking place, but much more was seen within the Church.
The protestant Reformation found in its time many elements of support which had been lacking before. At this time the Reformation stood at the center of attention. Also at this time civilization was attributed to the Reformation that was taking place at this time in history (sixteenth century). It is often said that Martin Luther paved way for the modern authoritarianism, particularly in the political sphere by opposing the radical and economical movements of his time and by his encouragement of political authority in the new evangelical churches.[1]
Although Calvin is seen as the most important systematizer of the protestant theology in the sixteenth century, he was born several years after Luther who was considered as a trailblazer in the Reformation movement. He was more concerned with the doctrine which could bring the Protestants together as a unified body. Luther on the other hand was pushed for salvation and justification which he taught came by faith. However, Calvin was more involved in the totality
of the Christian person, thus did not follow too much of Luther’s Justification. When Calvin appeared in the scene of history, he was considered as a member of the second order generation of protestant Reformation. In contrast to Luther, Calvin did not have to plow new religious grounds. He could rely upon what those who had preceded him had already stated and affirmed.
The Reformation led by the reformers produces new types of churches. Their character was determined by many factors, among which the religious factor was one. But it is good to note that the impetus that brought them to being was the reformers conception of the church. As said earlier the times were ripe for church. In the cause of discoveries, and development, the Reformation entered into a connection with these new cultural trends and thus became a factor in the modern phase of civilization.[2]
[1] Pauck Wilhelm. The heritage of the Reformation. (Oxford University Press, 1961) p4
[2] In one of Luther’s earliest extent letters there is a statement concerning his attitude n to the theology which gives an entirely personal view reflecting the circumstances of his work at that period
