John of the Cross - The Darkness of Faith

Biographical Paper

John of the Cross - The Darkness of Faith

Topical Discussion #2

How did Calvin's ideas shape the Reformation of Western Europe and Britain?
As a scholar, biblical teacher and reformer Calvin was able transform a generation and beyond. He was a great author and wrote several editions of his seminal work, The Institutes, first published in 1536. He preached in in congregations daily which meant he was steeped in the word of God, which also enabled him to pen and publish many biblical commentaries. The reform he began created many advocates and many critiques. Chief among these critiques was Arminius. His opposition to Calvin eventually led to the Synod of Dordt and the essential declaration of the 5 points of Calvinism refuting Arminius' semi-pelagian ideas.

His influence spread beyond Western Europe and into Britain. Around the time of the first publication of The Institutes, Thomas Cranmer rose in influence with King Henry VIII. He became a champion for reform with the King, eventually being persuaded of Protestant views on critical matters such as Lord's supper. Cranmer's influence over the King of England, and by proxy Calvin's influence, influenced the king's son, Edward VI, who was a true protestant king. He saw to the repeal of the heavily catholic 6 articles, the publication of English bibles in every church and most importantly, affirmed justification by faith alone and predestination in the 42 articles of 1553. All of which would have pleased Calvin himself.

Topical Question #1

Compare and contrast the 16th Century reform movements of Luther and Zwingli.The essence of the difference between the reformation movements of Luther and Zwingli was there view on the sacraments - baptism and the Lord's supper. Luther held to views that were much closer to Roman Catholic on the sacraments then did Zwingli. Both men held to a covenantal argument for infant baptism but Luther believed in baptismal regeneration. And again, both rejected the Roman view on transubstantiation in the Lord's supper but Luther held to consubstantiation where the body and blood of Christ were seen to "in, with and under" the elements. The Zwinglian reformation movement would be tied much closer to the Presbyterian reformers while Luther, in no small part due to his successor, Melanchthon, would create a new denomination given Luther's name but varied from his theological teachings. Luther and Zwingli agreed on much more then they disagreed as the Marburg Colloquy proved. They reached an agreement on 14 of 15 issues with the lone disagreement being on the Lord's Supper. Both men were ardent supporters and scholars of God's infallible word as found in the Scriptures. Especially the view on God's grace and man's need for Christ alone. The 67 Articles make their views known and plain in regards to Christ's once and for all sacrifice for redemption on the cross.