Luther-Rezeption beim jungen Calvin

Abstract

There is no consensus in current research about the extent of Luther’s influence on Calvin. While earlier interpretations were influenced by national identities, today’s scholars focus on the question of the unity of “the” Reformation. The influence of Melanchthon has rightly been weighted more strongly in recent decades. At the same time, it is obvious that there was an intensive reception of Luther in the circles of biblical humanists around Jacques Lefèvre d’Etaples and Gérard Roussel. This is evidenced by, among other things, the early distribution of Luther’s writings in France. Calvin’s reception of Luther has to be interpreted in this context. In his early texts there are unquestionable references to the Wittenberg reformer, including the literal adoption of Luther quotations, especially with regard to the doctrine of the sacraments and the interpretation of the commandments. 79. „Vestram libertatem erga Calvinum valde probo; videtur enim nimium semper Lutherum et Bucerum defendere [...]“ (Haller an Bullinger, 28.12.1554, CO 15,362). 80. Vgl. J. Calvin, Ultima admonitio ad Westphalum, 1557, CO 9,238. 81. „De Luthero non est quod dubiam coniecturam sumat: quando nunc quoque, sicut hactenus, non dissimulanter testamur, eum nos habere pro insigni Christi apostolo, cuius maxime opera et ministerio restituta hoc tempore fuerit evangelii puritas“ (Johannes Calvin, Responsio contra Pighium de libero arbitrio, 1543, CO 6,250). Weitere entsprechende Belege in: Wendel, Calvin (wie Anm. 9), 112 mit Anm. 70 u. 71.