Huldrych Zwingli Criticism
Huldrych Zwingli (1484–1531) was a pivotal Swiss reformer and theologian whose role in the Protestant Reformation positioned him alongside contemporaries such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, as noted in The Reformation in Switzerland. Zwingli emphasized scriptural authority over the Roman Catholic Church's practices, rejecting indulgences, transubstantiation, and clerical celibacy, while advocating a theocratic society where civic leaders oversaw religious practices. His theological journey is well-documented, beginning with his critique of Swiss mercenary practices and evolving through major works like Sixty-Seven Theses and Commentary about the True and False Religion, which distinguished his beliefs from those of Luther, particularly in his symbolic interpretation of the Eucharist.
Zwingli's reformist zeal was influenced by humanist scholarship, as explored in The Influence of Mediaeval and Humanist Traditions upon Zwingli's View of Society. His leadership in Zurich led to significant religious reforms, although his aggressive stance resulted in conflict with conservative Swiss regions, culminating in his death during the Battle of Kappel. Despite Zwingli's foundational role, his legacy was overshadowed by Calvin's more moderate stances post-Zurich Consensus, and thus, his contributions were often overlooked outside Switzerland, as discussed by Zwingli's Reformation Between Success and Failure.
Modern scholarship, however, has revived interest in his work, exploring the depth and impact of what might be termed "Zwinglianism," though debates continue regarding its distinctiveness. His ideas continue to be pivotal in understanding the evolution of Protestant theology, as highlighted by Zwingli: Theologian and Reformer and Zwingli's Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics.
Contents
- Principal Works
-
Essays
-
The Reformation in Switzerland
(summary)
In the following excerpt from his important study of the Reformation, Beard analyzes the Reformation in Switzerland, comparing the ideas of Zwingli with those of Calvin.
-
Zwingli's Theology, Philosophy, and Ethics
(summary)
In this essay, Foster gives an overview and explanation of the main precepts of Zwingli's theology.
-
Calvin, Luther, and Zwingli
(summary)
In this excerpt from his noted study of Calvin, originally published in 1922, Barth discusses Zwingli's thought in relation to that of both Calvin and Luther.
-
The Answer to Valentin Compar
(summary)
In this excerpt, Garside analyzes Zwingli's rationale for his rejection of ecclesiastical and liturgical images and music.
-
The Influence of Mediaeval and Humanist Traditions upon Zwingli's View of Society
(summary)
In this excerpt from his book on Zwingli's ideas on theocracy, Walton explains the influence of humanist traditions on Zwingli's thought.
-
Zwingli's Reformation Between Sucess and Failure
(summary)
In this essay, originally delivered as a lecture in 1984, Oberman discusses Zwingli's contributions to the Reformation in the political and social context of sixteenth-century Switzerland.
-
Zwingli: Theologian and Reformer
(summary)
In the following excerpt, Stephens offers an introduction to Zwingli's thinking as a theologian and reformer.
-
The Reformation in Switzerland
(summary)
- Further Reading