Martin Luther's writings ignited the Protestant Reformation with their passionate defense of justification by faith and the authority of Scripture. If his theological depth and reformist zeal resonate with you, this curated list explores the figures who influenced him, stood with him, challenged him, and carried his legacy forward.
Long before Luther, these figures challenged church authority and emphasized biblical truth, setting the stage for the Reformation.
Connection to Luther: Known as the "Morning Star of the Reformation," Wycliffe argued that the Bible, not the Pope, was the ultimate source of Christian authority. His advocacy for translating the Scriptures into the vernacular directly prefigured Luther's monumental work on the German Bible.
Connection to Luther: Deeply influenced by Wycliffe, this Bohemian reformer was burned at the stake for challenging the sale of indulgences a century before Luther did. Luther famously declared at the Leipzig Disputation, "We are all Hussites without knowing it," recognizing Hus as a direct predecessor in his cause.
These figures were the titans of the Reformation, who worked alongside, debated with, and led other major branches of the movement.
Connection to Luther: While sharing Luther's core beliefs in salvation by faith alone and the authority of Scripture, Calvin represents the "Reformed" branch of Protestantism. His writing is less fiery and more systematic than Luther's, offering a logical, comprehensive theology. Key differences include their views on the Lord's Supper and predestination.
Connection to Luther: The leader of the Swiss Reformation, Zwingli's approach was often more rationalist and humanist-influenced than Luther's. The two famously and irreconcilably clashed at the Marburg Colloquy in 1529 over the nature of the Eucharist, with Zwingli arguing for a symbolic view against Luther's insistence on the Real Presence.
Connection to Luther: Luther’s closest friend and most important collaborator. A brilliant humanist scholar, Melanchthon was the great systematizer of Lutheran thought. His calm, scholarly tone provides a fascinating contrast to Luther's passionate, often polemical style. He organized Luther's ideas into a coherent theological framework.
Connection to Luther: The leader of the Scottish Reformation, Knox shared Luther's fiery temperament and uncompromising courage. While theologically a Calvinist, his powerful, confrontational preaching and writing style will appeal to readers who admire Luther's boldness in the face of political and religious opposition.
These authors adapted and applied Reformation principles in England, with a special focus on liturgy and making the Bible accessible.
Connection to Luther: Tyndale was driven by the same passion as Luther: to make the Word of God available to common people in their own language. His groundbreaking English translation of the New Testament was heavily influenced by Luther's German version, and he shared Luther’s core doctrine of justification by faith.
Connection to Luther: As Archbishop of Canterbury, Cranmer was the architect of the English Reformation. Like Luther, who wrote the German Mass to reform worship, Cranmer's genius was in creating a liturgy that brought Protestant theology into the heart of church life through beautiful, accessible language.
Not everyone agreed with Luther's pace or his conclusions. These thinkers represent important alternative paths and critiques during the Reformation.
Connection to Luther: The leading humanist scholar of his day, Erasmus initially supported Luther's call for reform. However, they broke spectacularly over the doctrine of free will. Erasmus's witty, satirical style and focus on moral reform from within the Church provide a stark contrast to Luther’s radical doctrinal break.
Connection to Luther: An early colleague of Luther at Wittenberg, Karlstadt became a key figure in the "Radical Reformation." He pushed for reforms—like the removal of all church images (iconoclasm)—that were far more rapid and extreme than Luther could accept, leading to a bitter conflict between them.
Connection to Luther: Müntzer represents the social and revolutionary wing of the Reformation, which Luther vehemently opposed. He combined theological reform with calls for the violent overthrow of the ruling class, becoming a leader in the German Peasants' War. Reading him reveals the societal turmoil that Luther's ideas helped unleash, but which Luther himself tried to contain.
These second-generation figures helped consolidate the Reformation's theological gains and organize the new Protestant churches for the long term.
Connection to Luther: A tireless diplomat, Bucer spent his life trying to mediate between the Lutheran and Zwinglian factions, seeking a unified Protestant front. He was a great synthesizer and pastor who emphasized Christian community and church discipline, influencing John Calvin significantly.
Connection to Luther: As the pastor of the City Church in Wittenberg, Bugenhagen was Luther's own pastor and confessor. His great contribution was practical organization. He traveled across Northern Germany and Scandinavia establishing new Lutheran church structures, translating Luther's ideas into workable governance.
Connection to Luther: As John Calvin's successor in Geneva, Beza was a key figure in the development of "Reformed Scholasticism." He represents the move to formalize and defend the doctrines of the Reformation with rigorous, academic logic, ensuring their intellectual survival for future generations.
To truly understand Luther, one must read the ancient theologian who shaped his thought more than any other.
Connection to Luther: It is impossible to overstate Augustine's influence on Luther. As an Augustinian monk, Luther was steeped in his writings. Luther's doctrines of original sin, divine grace, and predestination are a profound revival of Augustine's arguments against the theologian Pelagius. Reading Augustine is like reading the source code for Luther's theology.