The Eucharistic Controversy

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that "Eucharist", "Communion", the "Last Supper" and the "Lord's Supper" are synonymous terms referring to the ongoing celebration and commemoration of the time Jesus spent with his disciples prior to his crucifixion and his finished work on the cross. The author points out that much of Luther and Zwingli's debate centered on the meaning of the bread and the wine, integral elements of Communion. The paper concludes that the result of this unresolved dispute, which led to the fragmentation of Protestantism, may not be as negative as various scholars imply because it is perfectly possible that God needs all the various Protestant churches to appeal to the unique needs and concerns of each person.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Martin Luther
Ulrich Zwingli
The Relationship of Luther and Zwingli
The Meeting at Marburg
Analysis
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Zwingli always seemed to temper his remarks. He and others were appalled at Luther's personal attacks and characterizations and accused him of lacking Christian charity. Tactically, Zwingli was on shaky ground. He needed to say that Luther could be wrong on some issues without defaming him. Luther was, after all, widely respected by those Zwingli was trying to enlist in his cause. Another reason for Zwingli's temperate tone was his humanist training. Because he was committed to modesty and temperance, he could not in good conscience counter Luther's attacks in an unrestrained manner."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bainton, Roland H. Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. Nashville: Abingdon, 1950.
• Edwards, Mark U. Luther and the False Brethren. Stanford: Stanford University, 1975.
• Lindsay, Thomas M. A History of the Reformation. Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1906.
• Lohse, Bernhard. Martin Luther' s Theology: Its historical and systematic development. Translated and edited by Roy A. Harrisville. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1999.
• Nichols, Stephen J. Martin Luther: A Guided Tour of His Life and Thought. Phillipsburg: P & R Publishing, 2002.

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