IndexSimilar views on salvationEmphasis on the authority of the ScripturesRejection of the sacraments of the Catholic ChurchEmphasis on the sovereignty of GodConclusionWhen talking about the Protestant Reformation, two names that often come to mind are Martin Luther and John Calvin. Both of these figures played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of Europe during the 16th century. While they had their differences, there are also several key similarities between Luther and Calvinism that are worth exploring. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Similar Views on Salvation One of the most striking similarities between Luther and Calvinism is their shared belief in the doctrine of justification by faith alone. Both men emphasized the importance of faith in Christ as a means of salvation and rejected the Catholic Church's teaching that good works were necessary for salvation. For Luther, this belief was central to his theology, and he famously stated that justification by faith was the article by which the church stands or falls. Calvin also emphasized the primacy of faith in salvation, and his doctrine of predestination was a natural outgrowth of this belief. Emphasis on the Authority of Scripture Another key similarity between Luther and Calvinism is their emphasis on the authority of Scripture. Both men rejected the authority of the Pope and the traditions of the Catholic Church, and instead looked to the Bible as the ultimate source of religious truth. Luther's belief in sola scriptura, or Scripture alone, became a fundamental tenet of Protestantism, and Calvin also placed high value on the authority of Scripture in his theological writings. Rejection of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church Luther and Calvinism also shared the rejection of many of the sacraments sacraments of the Catholic Church. Although Luther retained the sacraments of baptism and the Eucharist, he rejected the Catholic Church's teaching on the sacraments of penance, last rites, confirmation, and marriage. Calvin, on the other hand, retained only the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper, and rejected the other sacraments as human inventions lacking biblical support. Emphasis on the Sovereignty of GodBoth Luther and Calvinism emphasized the sovereignty of God in their theological writings. Luther's doctrine of the bondage of the will and Calvin's doctrine of predestination were both expressions of this belief. Both men taught that God is in control of all things, including the salvation of individuals, and that humans have no power to save themselves without God's grace. Keep in mind: This is just one example. Get a customized document from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Conclusion In conclusion, although Luther and Calvinism had their differences, there are also many key similarities between the two figures. Both men emphasized the importance of faith in Christ as a means of salvation, rejected the authority of the Pope and the traditions of the Catholic Church in favor of the Scriptures, and emphasized the sovereignty of God in their theological writings. These shared beliefs played a significant role in shaping the development of Protestantism and continue to influence Christian theology to this day..