Luther and Calvin essays

Luther and Calvin essays A Comparison Between Luther and Calvins Beliefs The Reformation began by Martin Luther was sweeping religious mass movement that divided the Christian world and led to the birth of Protestantism. The Protestant movement, however, could not have been kindled to the extent of which it had been if it were not for the teachings of John Calvin. Martin Luther and John Calvin each shared their own Protestant beliefs and philosophies for which many people are thankful. The philosophical attitudes expressed by each of these men had similar attributes and also differing characteristics toward political authority and social order. Luther and Calvin had many similar traits in their philosophies. Calvinism, of course, being derived from Protestantism had many beliefs based on the guidelines that Luther had taught. The connection between the two philosophies was in the basic religious theories that were the foundation of Protestantism under Luther. These religious theories such as the superiority of faith over good works, the Bible as the basis for all Christian teachings, and the universal priesthood of all believers proclaimed much of Luther and Calvins attitudes toward social order. Because Luther and Calvins teachings were similar in the respects before stated, the societies based upon the teachings of these two men were also similar in those respects. Luthers basic religious theories were the similarities between Luther and Calvins attitudes toward social order. There are, however, many differences between Calvin and Luthers views on social order and especially on political authority. Luther believed that in spite God being the sole importance in a mans life one should always be obedient to authority. Luther also feared anarchy and believed that people should accept their place along the hierarchy in the social order. Calvinists, however, were allowed much more disobedience and they ev...