HALF A MILLENNIUM FROM THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION - THE CONCEPT OF FREEDOM IN THE THEOLOGY OF LUTHER AND CALVIN
HALF A MILLENNIUM FROM THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION - THE CONCEPT OF FREEDOM IN THE THEOLOGY OF LUTHER AND CALVIN

Summary/Abstract: This article is dedicated to underlining the importance of the concept of freedom in the writings of 16th Century Reformers as Martin Luther and Jean Calvin. Various freedoms as; freedom of conscience, of religion, of expression, of economic or political freedom, which has always been a key asset, having a precious value for people, of which they were ready to fight even with the price of their lives. In the troubled 16th Century, Luther’s voice, then later, Cavin’s voice was heard for they loudly proclaimed Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide, Sola Gratiae, and Solus Christus. The Reformers were not interested in philosophy but in theology, and in issues as the restructuring of the spiritual life, worship and teaching of the Word of God.1 They spoke and wrote about the importance of freedom, starting with the freedom of faith, and following social freedom and the relationship of freedom between people and civil authorities. The true freedom, the Reformers spoke about, was freedom of consciousness, a freedom that develops from faith and from Christian love. The church by its leaders, thorough history, persuaded governments to respect and value human rights, equality of all citizens before the law, freedom of religion, and as we can say, all kinds of individual freedoms.2 Whoever is free spiritually can also enjoy the other aspects of social and political freedom. The Reformers’ concept of freedom shows us the power of ideas that shape characters, destinies, and societies.

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