Martin Bucer
Martin Bucer (November 11, 1491–February 28, 1551) was a Protestant Reformer and scholar who is best known for reconciling differing Reform groups and contributing to the development of various Protestant traditions.
Early life
Bucer was born on November 11, 1491 in the town of Schlettstadt, near Strasbourg in the German-speaking area of modern-day France.[1] Although from a very poor family (his father was a cobbler), Bucer was able to attend a prestigious Dominican-led Latin school in Schlettstadt, in which he took to join in 1506.[1][2] In 1516, Bucer transferred to Heidelberg, in modern-day Germany, to another Dominican institution for the purpose of continuing his education.[1] One of his professors there was Johannes Brenz, who would also become a Reformer, and Bucer became influenced by Erasmus during this time.[1]
Becoming a Reformer
In April of 1518, Bucer happened to attend to Heidelberg Disputation, where he heard Martin Luther criticize the unbiblical views held by the Roman Catholic Church.[1] He quickly became convinced by Luther and received permission by the Pope to leave the Dominican Order in 1521.[1][2] After working for the count palatine of the Rhine, and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire, Bucer became a pastor at Landstuhl, in modern-day far-western Germany.[1][2]
While at Landstuhl, Bucer married Elizabeth Silbereisen, a former nun.[1] After the leader of Landstuhl, Franz von Sickingen, unsuccessfully led the Knights’ War against the elector of Trier,[1] Bucer was excommunicated by the Roman Catholic Church in 1523 and went to Strasbourg.[2] Along the way, Bucer stopped at Weissenburg to help the reform movement there, and he preached several sermons and wrote his first theological treatise.[1]
References
Further reading
- Greschat, Martin. Martin Bucer: A Reformer and His Times. (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004).