Religious and cultural exchange during the Reformation: Zuerich and England, 1531--1558 (Switzerland)

This dissertation examines the relationship between the English and Zurich Reformations during the years 1531--1558. It deepens our understanding of Swiss and English Protestantism and demonstrates the international and cross-cultural nature of the Reformation. The central argument is that England and Zurich were crucial to each other in the early years of the Reformation for a variety of reasons, both theological and practical. Three aspects of Zurich theology and practice attracted English evangelicals to Zurich's tradition of Reformed Protestantism: rejection of the material aspects of Catholic piety, a strong anti-Anabaptist tradition, and stress on the unity of the religious and secular spheres under the authority of the civil magistrate. In-depth analysis of correspondence between English and Swiss evangelicals, contemporary English translations of works by Zurich reformers, and domestic English writings demonstrates how English reformers adopted these ideas and applied them in England. The sources also reveal that the theological affinities between England and Zurich were strengthened by personal, political, and stylistic ones. One reason for the success of the Zurich Reformation was the reformers' pastoral emphasis and popular, vernacular style of writing. English translators found this style especially useful for communicating Reformed ideas to English readers. In turn, Zurich reformers fostered connections with England because they believed such a powerful ally could strengthen the city's position in Europe. As a result of these factors, Zurich's influence on England's early Reformation was much stronger than that of any other Reformed city in Europe.