Heinrich Bullinger and Jean Calvin on the Authority of Scripture (1538-1571)

Publisher： Brill

ISSN： 1569-7312

Source： Journal of Reformed Theology, Vol.5, Iss.3, 2011-01, pp. : 310-324

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Abstract

Abstract This article summarizes Jean Calvin’s concept of the self-convincing authority of Scripture, and relates his position to the writings of Heinrich Bullinger. The authors possibly influenced each other. Both use the Greek term autopistos for the authority of Scripture. In 1571, Bullinger published an anonymous work that relies on Calvin’s Institutes. In spite of minor differences in emphasis, the reformers agreed in maintaining the independent authority of Scripture as the norm of faith. For both authors Word and Spirit were intimately connected, although in the writings studied for this article Calvin more explicitly connects the acknowledgement of Scripture’s authority to the witness of the Spirit.