Kingdom Parables

M. M. NINAN
Swiss Cantons were already on the side of reformation under Huldrich
Zwingli.. Swig quarreled with Luther on several points where he
compromised with the Roomanism. In Geneva Calvin became the head
of the State and set up a theocracy. While the Lutherans maintained the
Episcopal system, the Calvinists preferred the elder system.
There were others like Gabriel Zwilling (1487-1558) a fiery monk who
denounced idol worship, sacrificial mass and clerical vows vehemently.
Gulaumme Farel (1489 - 1565) the pioneer of Protestantism in
Switzerland; John Knox of Scotland; Casper Schwenkfled (1490-1561)
a revolutionary mystic Anabaptist; William Tyndale (1492 -1536);
Menno Simons (1496 - 1561) who originated the Mennonite
Movement and many others.
It is important to note that these revivals were always associated with the
publication of the Bible in the language of the people. It is the word of
God, Jesus who creates and recreates. Not by might, nor by power,
says the Lord but by my word. Revival recreation and rebirth follows
wherever the word of God is preached.
Romanism dazed by the enthusiastic reception of the biblical truths
lashed out in vengeance by mid 16th century in an inquisition on the
model of 1480 Spanish Inquisition. It published an index of books
forbidden to the Roman Catholics which included the Bible. A council
was finally called in Trent which lasted from 1545 to 1563 and Roman
Catholic Bishops reiterated the supremacy of the priestcraft. Under this
new bondage, the faithful who refused to leave the Roman Church
returned to mysticism as a refuge.
Church of England was a compromised between Romanism and
Protestantism. Puritans insisted on a more radical elimination of all
symbols of Romaine origin. In Europe the Anabaptists even opposed
the ownership of private property. They were fiercely persecuted and
were scattered all over Europe. From this was born the Baptist Church.
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