10 Key Reformation Events

[After reading this post, if you can think of an event that should be added, feel free to post about it in the comments.

On a final for a class on the Reformation yesterday, I was instructed to list what 10 events I felt were most important during the Protestant Reformation, and to give an explanation of why I chose each of these events. The following are my answers, though somewhat edited, since now I can use notes, etc.]

1. A critical edition of the Greek New Testament, published by Erasmus [1516; 2nd edition 1519]: This allowed easier access to the New Testament in the Greek, and led to many exegetical insights that drove the early Protestants to seek reformation of the Church.

2. The posting of the 95 Theses [1517]: This became a catalyst for the Reformation, as the Theses were reprinted, translated, disseminated, and used to prompt discussion about recognized abuses of power within the Church.

3. Luther's conversion [date uncertain]: This event, especially as it was related to Luther's insight into justification, became a driving force in the gospel preaching of the Reformation.

4. Zwingli begins preaching in Zurich [1519]: Zwingli preached from Matthew 1 and continued to preach through the text passage-by-passage, rather than using the lectionary, thus demonstrating his commitment to the authority of Scripture in a way easily understandable to his congregation.

5. Leipzig Disputation [1519]: This debate between Luther and Eck helped to solidify Luther's understanding of sola Scriptura and revealed agreement between Luther and the proto-reformer Jan Hus.

6. The Affair of the Sausages [1522]: The breaking of Lent in Zwingli's presence and the resultant discussion of Christian liberty helped push Zurich toward reformation.

7. Zwingli argues against confessor baptism [1525]: After initially seeming to agree with the group later known as the Anabaptists, Zwingli argues that infant baptism should be imposed, causing the Magisterial Reformation and Radical Reformation to remain separate.

8. Marburg Colloquy [1529]: This failure of Luther and Zwingli to reach agreement led to the Lutheran and Reformed wings of the Reformation remaining separate.

9. Calvin's "sudden conversion" [date uncertain]: Referenced by Calvin in his Commentary on the Psalms, his conversion seemed to take him by surprise and led to further reflection on the doctrine of predestination.

10. The publication of the Institutes [1536]: The first edition of Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion filled the need for a clear and concise explanation of Reformed theology and was easily distributed, as the first edition was pocket-sized.