Heinrich Bullinger

Heinrich Bullinger (July 18, 1504 - September 17, 1575) was a Swiss reformer, the successor of Huldrych Zwingli as head of the Zurich church. A much less controversial figure than Calvin or Luther, his importance has long been underestimated. Recent research showed, though, that he was one of the most influential Reformed theologians of the 16th century.

Works

Bullingers works comprise 127 titles. Already during his lifetime they were translated in several languages and counted among the best known theological works in Europe.

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Theological works

His main work were the Decades", a treatise in pastoral theology, in the vernacular called "House Book".

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The (second) Helvetic Confession (1566) adopted in Switzerland, Hungary, Bohemia and elsewhere, was his work. The volumes of the Zürich Letters, published by the Parker Society, testify to his influence on the English reformation in later stages.

Related Topics:
Helvetic Confession - Hungary - Bohemia - English - Reformation

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Many of his sermons were translated into English (reprinted, 4 vols., 1849). His works, mainly expository and polemical, have not been collected.

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• Table of Contents of the Decades
• Second decade, eighth sermon, The Magistrate
• Forth decade, forth sermon, Predestination
• An Answer Given To A Certain Scotsman, In Reply To Some Questions Concerning The Kingdom Of Scotland And England
• Microfiche collection of his original works
• Werke - Institut für schweizerische Reformationsgeschichte, Universität Zürich

Historical

Besides theological works, Bullinger also wrote some historical works of value. The main of it, the "Tiguriner Chronik" is a history of Zurich from Roman times to the Reformation, others are a history of the Reformation and a history of the Swiss confederation.

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Letters

There exist about 12,000 letters from and to Bullinger, the most extended correspondence preserved from Reformation times. He mainly wrote in Latin with some quotes in Hebrew and Greek, about 10 percent in Swiss German.

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Bullinger was a personal friend and advisor of many leading personalities of the reformation era. He corresponded with Reformed, Anglican, Lutheran, and Baptist theologians, with Henry VIII of England, Edward VI of England, Lady Jane Grey and Elizabeth I of England, Christian II of Denmark, Philipp I of Hesse and Frederick III, Elector Palatine.

Related Topics:
Henry VIII of England - Edward VI of England - Lady Jane Grey - Elizabeth I of England - Christian II of Denmark - Philipp I of Hesse - Frederick III, Elector Palatine

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• Geographical overview of Bullingers correspondence]
• Database of Bullinger's Letters