Faith and Reason Exchange Faith and reason in Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin
Oct 15, 2025
Dive into the theological debates of the Reformation as key figures like Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin face off on faith and reason. Discover Luther's belief in the supremacy of Scripture over reason and the emotional fervor behind his rhetoric. Explore Zwingli's audacious stand against tradition with the 'Affair of the Sausages' and his symbolic view of the Lord's Supper. Meanwhile, Calvin seeks a middle path, showcasing both rationalism and a unique understanding of spiritual presence. This exploration reveals the intricate dance between revelation and reason in shaping faith.
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Luther: Reason Serves Revelation
- Martin Luther treats reason as a legitimate tool but subordinate to divine revelation in matters of faith.
- He argues reason serves a ministerial role and must submit where Scripture clearly reveals truth.
Luther's Fiery Rhetoric Requires Context
- Luther uses hyperbolic rhetoric like calling reason the "devil's whore," creating caricatures of fideism.
- David Andersen warns readers must parse occasions and emotion to find Luther's consistent position.
Eucharist As Faith-Reason Litmus Test
- The Lord's Supper debate reveals each reformer's faith-reason stance more clearly than abstractions.
- Eucharistic interpretation functions as a litmus test for how revelation and human reason interact.
