The Lord replied, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Habakkuk 2:2
Calvin’s conversion while studying at the University in Paris showed that the universities were open to freer thought- to read Luther, Erasmus and others. Previous scholars such as John Wycliffe (Oxford 1328-1384) and John Tyndale (Oxford and Cambridge 1494-1536) had tried to reform the church and translate the scriptures into the common tongue. Desiderus Erasmus (Rotterdam 1466- 1536) was a scholarly humanist that helped form a more definitive Latin and Greek text of the Bible. The Reformation did not happen despite scholarship, but had some of the best scholars. John Calvin was a Christian humanist scholar and has been called the most brilliant man in Europe at the time, even by his enemies. Zwingli, Bucer, Melancthon were considered humanist scholars.
The Printing Press was invented in Germany in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg. Luther, who also was a professor of theology, made full use of the press to distribute tracts and scripture. This allowed the people to see what the scriptures say themselves. It was blaringly eye opening. In the past only the very wealthy, the nobles and the priests could have books- for they were all written by hand. The printing press allowed the common person to read and to learn.
Prayer: Lord, let me love you with my mind as well as my heart, soul, and strength.
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