How the theology of Martin Luther and John Calvin differ

Sample Solution

While both Martin Luther and John Calvin were key figures in the Protestant Reformation, their theologies differed in some significant ways. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Predestination:

• Luther: Believed God predestines some for salvation and others for damnation, but this process remained a mystery. He emphasized faith as the key to justification (being made right with God).
• Calvin: Believed in predestination with a stronger emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty. He saw God actively choosing who would be saved (the elect) and who wouldn't.

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God's Nature:

• Luther: Emphasized God's love and mercy, particularly evident in the act of salvation through faith.
• Calvin: Focused more on God's power, majesty, and absolute control over everything, including salvation.

Role of the Church and Law:

• Luther: Believed in a separation of church and state. The law served a secular purpose, and faith was a personal matter.
• Calvin: Advocated for a more theocratic society where religious law and morality influenced civil law.

Christian Life:

• Luther: Stressed justification by faith alone, and good works were a result of faith, not a requirement for salvation.
• Calvin: While emphasizing faith, Calvin also placed importance on living a moral and righteous life as a sign of being among the elect.

Here's an analogy to illustrate the difference:

Imagine God as a king.

• Luther: The king offers a pardon (salvation) to anyone who has faith in his mercy.
• Calvin: The king chooses specific people (the elect) to receive a pardon, demonstrating his absolute power.

These are some of the key points of distinction between Luther and Calvin. It's important to remember that their theologies were complex and nuanced, but understanding these differences helps paint a clearer picture of their individual contributions to Protestant thought.