Throughout the essay, I will explore other reformers and sects who followed in Luther's wake to challenge the established religious ways. I will be concentrating on Zwingli; Calvin, and the Anabaptists. I will expound upon the main differences between their religious interpretation and Luther's own positions.
Like Luther, Zwingli; Calvin, and the Anabaptists contributed to the great Reformation - the reformation that hastened the Disintegration or the Dissolution of the Medieval Catholic Church during the Disintegration period of the 14th century to the 15th century, and beyond. Muentzer, who instigated the 1525 Peasant Rebellion while Luther was under the protection of Fredrick the Wise, was more radical than Luther. Muentzer wanted to reform the temporal aspects of the Reformation. Hence, he wanted to abolish serfdom on the basis of 'true Christianity.' Luther denounced Muentzer (a German monk and Luther's friend) for his radicalism. Luther stated Muentzer's execution was God's punishment on him.
Zwingli is a Swiss nationalist and reformer based in Zurich. He agreed with Luther on most points. However, Zwingli disagreed with Luther on Consubstantiation.
Zwingli argued the word 'is used in its Greek/Latin form means'signify'. Therefore, the Communion is neither a rite of Transubstantiation nor Consubstantiation. Rather, the Communion is 'a memorial service' of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Zwingli's disagreement created a mountain between himself and Luther. As a matter of fact, the Swiss Protestants under Zwingli were not supported by Luther's German Protestants in their war against the Catholic forces because of their disagreement (carved by Luther on a negotiating table, "This is my body" in Latin). The disagreement was so sore that Luther exclaimed, 'he got what he deserved.... His death proved I'm right and he's wrong; upon hearing of Zwingli's demise in battle (a Bible in one hand and a sword in the other).
Calvin, a French transplant based in Geneva, shared many points with Luther. However, like Zwingli, Calvin believed the Communion is a 'Memorial Service' instead of a Consubstantiation. Luther believed what's not in the Bible, is allowed - for example, singing and dancing. In contrast, Calvin believed everything that's not supported by Scriptures is forbidden by God, including singing and dancing.
Calvin was more extreme than Luther as per 'the doctrine of Predestination.' For example, God chooses who is going to Heaven and damned others to go to Hell. Calvin wanted to create 'a new Jerusalem' on earth (via Geneva). He believed in good living (capitalistic somewhat) of Christians (Christians should be the best they can be....)
The Anabaptists is a sect that spread all over Europe. Today, the Amish sects are descendants of the Anabaptists. Unlike Luther, the Anabaptists only believe in adult baptism (hence their name). They reject oaths, swearing, violence and etc. They believe man should imitate Christ. Thus, the Anabaptists are the true elect of the Church. The Anabaptists were harshly persecuted by both the Catholics and other Protestant sects because of their aforementioned beliefs (which they consider a threat to the security of society). Nonetheless, an Anabaptist sect led by John of Leyden violently took over a town named Munster. This Anabaptist sect was the exception as per their use of violence. They were defeated, eventually. The leaders were hung in a cage by a church in the town of Munster as stated by the esteemed historian - Dr. Wladyslaw Roczniak.
In conclusion, I explored other reformers and sects who followed I Luther's wake to challenge the established religious ways. Plus, I concentrated on Zwingli, Calvin and the Anabaptists. I expounded upon the main differences between their religious interpretation and Luther's own positions.
Karl A. Mitchell
latin music video
No comments:
Post a Comment