Page 79 - History of Christianity - Student Textbook

Theodore Beza, 1519-1605 ––
Theodore Beza (or Theodore de Beza) was a French Protestant theologian and scholar
who played an important role in the early Reformation. As the successor of John Calvin, he
was closely associated with Calvinism. He lived most of his adult life in Switzerland.

Beza and Calvin shared an incredible affection for one another, such as resembles that of
Paul and Timothy or Luther and Melancthon. Beza was an astute theologian and saw the
daily implications of his theology — he saw the persecution that the Huguenots were
suffering in France and willingly left the comfort of home and friends to intercede for them
in the courts of the nobility. And even in his debates with other Protestants (Lutherans), he
always saw them as brethren with whom he may have disagreed on certain points, but
with whom he shared the bond of Christ.

Anabaptists, c.1525

Believers in Switzerland following the Swiss Reformation wanted the church to
proceed quickly with reforms that would return it to a first-century ideal. They
sought a self-governing church ruled by the Holy Spirit. The main issue was over
infant baptism. The church was teaching that infant baptism was required to
bring one to salvation. On January 21, 1525 the Zurich council ordered their
leaders to cease disputation. On this snowy evening, this dissenting group met
and baptized one another and took on the name, “rebaptizers” or Anabaptists.

The Anabaptists propounded separation of church and state. They did not want political powers to compel the
conscience of the believer in any way. They also opposed church bureaucracy. They were the first to practice
congregationalism. The believed in pacifism.

Persecution ensued, and many Anabaptists were put to death by fire or drowning. Yet the movement spread,
especially among the lower classes. Evangelism brought new believers. The best-known leader among the
Anabaptists was Menno Simons, the father of the Mennonites. Other churches, such as the Brethren churches
branched off from the Anabaptists.

Lelio Sozzini, 1525-62 –

Lelio Sozini was an Italian Renaissance humanist and anti-Trinitarian reformer and
who was the founder of the Socinian sect. This group was a precursor to the
Unitarian Universalist movement. The group denied the doctrine of the Trinity as
well as the Deity of Christ.

Council of Trent 1545-63 –

The Roman Catholic Church, under the leadership of Pope Paul III had an interest in
reform and called for a council to be held in Trent. It actually was a group of several
meetings between 1545 and 1563 which was poorly attended but did result in some
minor changes and the shoring up of Catholic doctrines. Indulgences were abolished and
clergy were exhorted to avoid even the smallest of faults. Doctrinally, the council
reaffirmed the Catholic positions on the seven sacraments making them necessary for
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