Disputations
Public theological debates helped define the Reformation’s doctrines, divisions, and civic consequences. These accounts follow fifteen consequential disputations from Luther’s early arguments to the English debates under Mary I.
Heidelberg Disputation (1518)
The Augustinian meeting where Luther presented his theology of the cross and the priority of grace.
Leipzig Disputation (1519)
Luther and Eck pressed the dispute over indulgences toward the authority of popes, councils, and Scripture.
Zürich Disputations (1523)
Zwingli’s two public debates helped Zürich’s council adopt and direct the city’s reform.
Zürich Baptism Disputations (1525)
Debates over infant baptism exposed the divide between Zürich’s civic reform and the emerging Anabaptists.
Ilanz Disputation (1526)
Comander’s defense of reform took place as the Three Leagues reconsidered episcopal and parish authority.
Baden Disputation (1526)
Eck and Oecolampadius argued before the Swiss cantons as their religious division sharpened.
Oldersum Colloquy (1526)
A public exchange and its printed report helped carry reforming arguments through East Frisia.
Bern Disputation (1528)
Ten theses guided a debate that led Bern to adopt Reformed worship across its territory.
Flensburg Disputation (1529)
Hoffman and Lutheran preachers contested the Lord’s Supper under ducal authority.
Münster Disputation (1533)
Rothmann and Lutheran opponents debated baptism as the city’s reform began to fracture.
Dispute de Rive (1535)
Farel and his allies debated in Geneva before the Mass was suspended and before Calvin arrived.
Lausanne Disputation (1536)
Bern’s new subjects heard Farel and Viret defend reform before its adoption in the Pays de Vaud.
Oxford Eucharistic Disputation (1549)
Vermigli’s defense of his teaching on the Lord’s Supper helped shape the English Reformation.
Locarno Disputation (1549)
A debate over papal authority and salvation exposed an Italian-speaking Protestant minority to growing pressure.
Oxford Disputations (1554)
Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer defended their Eucharistic teaching during Mary I’s reversal of reform.
