John Calvin and Martin Luther's theological differences during the Protestant Reformation

Protestant Reformation Calvin vs. Luther

John Calvin and Martin Luther while both proponents of reform in the Catholic church, held distinctly different views of religious doctrine that profoundly influenced the religious landscape during the 16th century and encouraged citizens to take charge of their spirituality and salvation. Both religious leaders helped shape and influence the Reformation and formed the foundation for Episcopalian and Presbyterian beliefs today.

The Protestant Reformation is often considered one of the most revolutionary events to occur within the 16th century. During this time citizens were forced with the decision between Catholicism and Protestantism. John Calvin and Martin Luther are two figureheads who helped spearhead the Protestant Reformation. Despite there similar desire to reform the church and change the dominant doctrine of the time, Martin Luther and John Calvin were very different in their interpretations of religious doctrine. Martin Luther supported a less aggressive reformation based on 'faith-based practice', which promised salvation to mankind on the basis of faith alone. John Calvin on the other hand supported a more stringent and rigid doctrine, which suggested that mankind is either predestined for salvation or damnation, and to that effect there is little one, can do to change their destiny.

This paper will outline the primary differences between Calvinist and Lutheran doctrine with specific attention to how these different views of religious doctrine helped influence the religious landscape during the 16th century. The author will also review the relative merits of both Calvinist and Lutheran doctrine compared with Catholicism, and the influence all have had on faith-based practice throughout history.

Martin Luther and the Reformation

Most associate the Reformation with Martin Luther, a reportedly self-made man who struggled throughout his life with the intent of reconciling his religious faith "with wordy ambitions" (Kreis, 1). Luther believed that devotion to God would help him overcome "worldly distractions," but ultimately he still felt doubtful of his faith (Kreis, 1). Luther acknowledge that man by nature is sinful, much like John Calvin later did. However Luther's doctrine is very different from Calvin's.

Lutheran's beliefs form the foundation for Protestantism by refuting traditional beliefs of the Catholic church. Luther's beliefs arose from Martin Luther's personal struggle to overcome the guilt he associated with committing sin. Unlike Calvin Luther concerned himself less with changing the actual process of worship and more with determining what variables were essential for mankind's salvation. Luther believed that mankind could work toward salvation, a key tenet of the Catholic faith at the time. Luther however approached salvation from a much different viewpoint than traditional Catholic leaders at t he time.

Luther's primary argument was that sinners could be redeemed by faith-based practice alone. Throughout his life Luther felt doubts about much of the way Catholicism dictated faith, and strongly encouraged the idea that Christian salvation via piety requires that individuals are contrite for sins and trust God's mercy, but proclaimed that attending church alone, fasting and participating in good works were not enough to ensure ones salvation (Kreis, 2). Rather Luther supported various arguments presented in a document referred to as his Ninety-Five Theses. It is here that the basic tenets of Luther's faith are revealed, a series of ideas that challenge corruption and indulgences within the church as well as other unsound practices as defined by Luther (Kreis, 2).

Luther's secondary argument was against indulgences including the sale of indulgences to put buyer in touch with grace and to guarantee salvation (Kreis, 1). Indulgences at the time were "papal remission of the guilt still attaching to sins after the sins had been absolved primarily through the sacrament of Penance" (Mullett, 46). The idea of indulgences also supported the notion that b performing good deeds and charity one could help alleviate the guilt resulting from sins that might otherwise ensure ones suffering by damnation (Mullett, 46). Indulgences might almost be considered insurance policies to prevent damnation (Mullett, 46).

Luther suggested that indulgence was symbolic of false doctrine, and suggested that salvation is indeed contingent more on an individual's faith rather than sacraments or church rituals. Luther argued that faith alone without good works would ultimately result in one's salvation, an idea that at the time at best was considered heretical (Kreis, 1). The idea that good works would not guarantee salvation was quite radical for the time. Luther's arguments however continued to support the notion that only God not man could offer salvation or bestow salvation on mankind. Luther also supported the central notion that sinful people "were accounted and justified in God's eyes not through the worth they actively pursued but only passively, by accepting and trusting that Christ had died to atone for their sins (Mullett, 46). Hence anyone considered "just" according to Luther were capable of salvation through faith alone. Luther considered ritual acts or sacraments futile, suggesting that people could receive salvation through the amazing gift of divine faith alone (Gottfreid, 1).

Luther's principles and doctrines were widely embraced even though controversial at the time. Many feared for Luther's life as his suppositions opposed years of doctrine laid down by the Catholic church. However despite the controversy surrounding Luther's ideas, many grasped quickly onto the idea that faith alone might result in salvation. Many people turned toward Luther's faith as it offered a means of salvation without paying "homage to Rome" (Kreis, 1). Luther's faith was popular among the wealthy, but also among the poor who believed that Luther's perspectives afforded them more dignity and respect (Kreis, 1).

Luther believed and placed considerable effort in supporting the idea that it was the responsibility of individuals to "secure remission of sins through contrition for them" (Mullett, 46). Luther believed that man could seek salvation through contrite acts and through faith in God, and went as far as suggesting that faith alone was enough to promise salvation to mankind.

Those who oppose Luther's faith suggest that man cannot redeem sin through faith-based practice alone. Such practice according to opponents ultimately devalues good works and the need for charity and good faith efforts (Gottfried, 1). Luther however does not attempt to suggest that good works and deeds have no value in the church. Rather he suggests that such actions are not necessary to guarantee salvation.

Conclusions and Summary

John Calvin and Martin Luther, while undoubtedly figureheads and leaders in the Protestant Reformation, promoted very different idealisms and interpretations of the Christian faith. Martin Luther suggests that salvation is attainable to all mankind through faith-based practices alone. His beliefs while contrary to those established by the Catholic church are much more in line with Catholicism than John Calvin's doctrine. John Calvin suggests that mankind is predestined for salvation or damnation. His beliefs are much less forgiving than those of Lutheran and other protestant reformers. Calving suggests that there is little one can do to change ones destiny. Further he argues that those predestined for salvation are much more likely to be members of the church's elect and to act in a manner synonymous with salvation.

Calvin Doctrine often referred to as Presbyterian Doctrine suggests that many by nature is sinful and predestined; mankind can't help himself nor deliver himself from a "dreadful state" unless through the will and grace of God alone (Whirlwind, 2005). Under Calvin's Presbyterian-based Doctrine mankind is predestined to be saved or to suffer eternal damnation. God chooses who will be saved and what members of society are to be members of the church. God, who is all powerful in nature, decides who will receive mercy and who is not worthy.

Under Calvin's doctrine one may assume that those who are chosen for salvation will come to follow God's faith without prompt, because they are called to do so. This suggests that little attempts need be made by church officials or other representatives to convert those that do not follow the religious faith. Calvin's doctrine also suggests that there is no hope for those that do not strictly follow the guidelines outlined by the bible. Those who are meant to be saved will do what the need to do in this lifetime. Those that are marked for damnation will also act accordingly. Interestingly Calvin suggests that not all good people or individuals who perform good acts are destined for salvation. His beliefs are at best, gloomy and somewhat anxiety producing. It is because of this that many flocked first and foremost to Lutheran's beliefs more so than Calvin's.

Lutheran's Reformation now falls under the scope of Episcopalian doctrine. Less severe than Calvinist though, Luther suggests that mankind may be saved through faith alone. Luther suggests fewer changes to Christianity than Calvin does. His doctrine suggest that significant changes in the way one worships are not as important as ones faith. Rather Luther defied the notion at the time that man must pay indulgences or succumb to rituals and another sacraments in order to redeem themselves and free themselves from guilt associated with sinning. His beliefs were widely adopted and acknowledged by wealthy and poor members of society alike, as they offered much consolation and hope for the average sinner.

Luther's faith-based practices allowed individuals to continue worshipping God in the manner they saw fit. For many Luther's beliefs were convenient and afforded the wealthy the opportunity to remain wealthy. Those with affluence and grace need not feel guilty for enjoying the abundance preferred them, as long as they believed every faithfully in God and salvation. Those that were poor also clung to Lutheran's doctrine believing that they stood a chance at salvation regardless of their current surroundings.

One might criticize Martin Luther's approach as almost 'lazy' compared with that of Calvin. While Calvin encourages strict interpretation of the bible and strict rituals and religious practice, Luther takes on a much more lackadaisical approach to religious belief. It is important however that critics realize Luther is not proposing that man go out and commit sin without regard for salvation.

Luther does not suggest that despite even the most wicked of actions one might be saved through faith alone. Luther like Calvin supports the idea that those meant for salvation will act accordingly, by performing good deeds and engaging in faithful activities. Luther simply affords mankind the opportunity to acquire salvation and does not suggest that there is no hope for attaining salvation, whereas Calvin suggests that no matter what ones desires or intent, mankind is predestined for salvation or damnation.

Despite their differences, both Martin Luther and John Calvin may be considered key figureheads and important representatives of the Protestant Reformation. Both Martin Luther's and John Calvin's ideas and beliefs challenged traditional Catholic views and encouraged mankind to break out traditional modes of thinking and adopt religious or faith-based practices based on new and unique principles. For this reason the Protestant Reformation stands out as a revolutionary time in history.

Luther and Calvin's religious ideas and doctrine helped shape life in the 16th century and helped reform the way individuals viewed religion and faith during the time the lived and even in modern society.

References:

"A Whirlwind Tour of the Protestant Reformation." 18, October 2005:

Gottfreid, Paul. "Martin Luther." World and I, 14(2): 18.

Hooker, Richard. "Reformation: John Calvin." 1996. World Civilizations. Available:

Kreis, Steven. "The Protestant Reformation." May 2002. The History Guide. Available:

Mullett, Michael. "Martin Luther's Ninety-Five Theses: Michael Mullett Defines the Role of the 95 Theses in the Lutheran Reformation." History Review 46(1): 46.