I am probably a Zwinglian in more ways in my theology than either Luther or Calvin. he is more influential to mainline Protestantism than most people realize. He was was a Swiss theologian who played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He emphasized the authority of the Bible, rejected many practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and helped establish the Reformed tradition in Switzerland. Zwingli’s ideas continue to influence Protestant theology and practice today.Ulrich Zwingli was a Swiss theologian who played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. He emphasized the authority of the Bible, rejected many practices of the Roman Catholic Church, and helped establish the Reformed tradition in Switzerland. Zwingli’s ideas continue to influence Protestant theology and practice today.

but here are 15 things of that you didn’t know about him:

  1. His family was wealthy.
  2. He was able to play six instruments.
  3. Was amazingly fluent in four languages: Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and German.
  4. He had the same guilty conscience as Luther.
  5. Went to a town where the Black Death was and ministered to people there. Caught the plague and wrote a song about it.
  6. He copied Paul’s letters in Greek and then memorized them.
  7. Was one of the first Protestant leaders to advocate for the separation of church and state, arguing that the government should not interfere in religious matters.
  8. Too radical for Luther but not radical enough for anabaptists.
  9. First to introduce congregational singing.
  10. Was part of the Swiss army, and believed in nationalism.
  11. He got rid of all instruments and statues in the church.
  12. He was a vegetarian and believed the Bible did not condone eating meat.
  13. Had an illicit relationship in 1516.
  14. Had a tense meeting with Luther called the Marburg Colloquy. They did not work out their differences there or ever.
  15. Was the first major Reformer to believe that the Eucharist was symbolic.


C Michael Patton
C Michael Patton

C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger. Find him on Patreon Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements. Join his Patreon and support his ministry