Covenant Theologian: Heinrich Bullinger

Heinrich Bullinger (1504–1575) is regarded as the most influential second-generation Reformer. As the heir to Ulrich Zwingli in Zurich, Switzerland, he consolidated and continued the Swiss Reformation that his predecessor had started. Philip Schaff writes that Bullinger was “a man of firm faith, courage, moderation, patience, and endurance … [who was] providentially equipped” to preserve and advance the truth in a difficult time in history. During his forty-four years as the chief minister in Zurich, Bullinger’s literary output exceeded that of Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Zwingli combined. He was of monumental importance in the spread of Reformed teaching throughout the Reformation. So far-reaching was Bullinger’s influence throughout continental Europe and England that Theodore Beza called him “the common shepherd of all Christian churches.” Read More

Of the Swiss Reformers, Heinrich Bulling would have the greatest influence upon the Elizabethan phase of the English Reformation. John Jewel and other future leaders of the Elizabethan Church who fled to Europe to escape the Marian persecutions would take refuge in Zurich. Peter Martyr Vermigli, who had played a key role in the Edwardian phase of the English Reformation would also take refuge there. After they returned to England they maintained correspondence with Bullinger and consulted with him on a number of issues. Bullinger's Decades would become the theological textbook of the Elizabethan Church. It is the Elizabethan phase of the English Reformation that would shape the character of historic Anglicanism.