Ryan, you bring up a good point around the "blank canvas" remarks. We today have the benefit of hundreds of years to critique those people 400+ years ago. I've often thought how difficult a road it was for Luther for instance. They had centuries of brainwashing by the Vatican and the RCC was widespread and very entrenched into every aspect of society and daily life. To break out of that entrenchment then bring it public then face down the mammoth apparatus (and violent) Papacy took spine and resolve. I seriously question if I would've had the resolve to wagon train across the US, much less do what Luther did. Given everyone's background/indoctrination at the time is it any wonder there was conflicting ideas on what the new Reformed church was going to do? Rebuilding a church that was lost for so long would be a daunting task. Then we have human egos getting involved. I'm also amazed at how quickly and enthusiastically the Reformation spread. But I have a strong feeling the populace was very aware of how corrupt the RCC was and the conditions were ripe for deep support of reform.
What an amazing period of history where there is enough freedom and ability to travel, but not so much that the Pope could have flown bombers over Geneva and blown it to bits. It seems that, just like in the first century, conditions were just right, with the printing press and the rise of humanism, that the Reformation could germinate all over Europe in pockets like in a petri dish. Its just amazing to look at this period of history with modern eyes, it really couldn't happen in this day and in this way.
February 5, 2016 Hi Dr. Reeves, You mentioned a recent biography ( 23:40 mark) on Calvin? I like the way you imply the words "Crickets to Wittenberg" regarding Calvin's attitude, “Hay guys, what do you think about this". Imagine a cricket "Calvin" staying in touch with a bunch of loose rabbits "Luther and company". Thanks again for many excellent online studies.
There may be a more practical reason Calvin didn't hear back. Luther and the reformers in Germany had their plates full. Or maybe the Luther group had written off the Swiss/French crowd. Or a combination of reasons.
I do actually say the reason in the video, since we have their internal letters and overall perspective. Essentially, they had written them off based off the problems with Zwingli earlier. The Swiss seemed to be too radical and Luther was not prepared to hear otherwise. Those around him, though, wanted a bit more of a debate and relationship but didn't go against Luther on this.
I did catch that in the video. I should've stated it something like "maybe Luther's group really was ignoring them", etc, to indicate I picked up on your statement. Sorry about that. Thanks for your reply.
I am proudly calvinist.
Gospel believe in the doutricnes of grace and predestination.
Ryan, you bring up a good point around the "blank canvas" remarks. We today have the benefit of hundreds of years to critique those people 400+ years ago. I've often thought how difficult a road it was for Luther for instance. They had centuries of brainwashing by the Vatican and the RCC was widespread and very entrenched into every aspect of society and daily life.
To break out of that entrenchment then bring it public then face down the mammoth apparatus (and violent) Papacy took spine and resolve. I seriously question if I would've had the resolve to wagon train across the US, much less do what Luther did.
Given everyone's background/indoctrination at the time is it any wonder there was conflicting ideas on what the new Reformed church was going to do? Rebuilding a church that was lost for so long would be a daunting task. Then we have human egos getting involved.
I'm also amazed at how quickly and enthusiastically the Reformation spread. But I have a strong feeling the populace was very aware of how corrupt the RCC was and the conditions were ripe for deep support of reform.
great video! the audio is very good also! thumbs up!
What an amazing period of history where there is enough freedom and ability to travel, but not so much that the Pope could have flown bombers over Geneva and blown it to bits. It seems that, just like in the first century, conditions were just right, with the printing press and the rise of humanism, that the Reformation could germinate all over Europe in pockets like in a petri dish. Its just amazing to look at this period of history with modern eyes, it really couldn't happen in this day and in this way.
February 5, 2016
Hi Dr. Reeves,
You mentioned a recent biography ( 23:40 mark) on Calvin? I like the way you imply the words "Crickets to Wittenberg" regarding Calvin's attitude, “Hay guys, what do you think about this". Imagine a cricket "Calvin" staying in touch with a bunch of loose rabbits "Luther and company". Thanks again for many excellent online studies.
+Gilbert Alphin // Hey Gilbert. The recent biography is by Bruce Gordon. Search for it on Amazon and you'll find it. Happy reading. :)
There may be a more practical reason Calvin didn't hear back. Luther and the reformers in Germany had their plates full. Or maybe the Luther group had written off the Swiss/French crowd. Or a combination of reasons.
I do actually say the reason in the video, since we have their internal letters and overall perspective. Essentially, they had written them off based off the problems with Zwingli earlier. The Swiss seemed to be too radical and Luther was not prepared to hear otherwise. Those around him, though, wanted a bit more of a debate and relationship but didn't go against Luther on this.
I did catch that in the video. I should've stated it something like "maybe Luther's group really was ignoring them", etc, to indicate I picked up on your statement. Sorry about that.
Thanks for your reply.