Preachers of Truth

From Reformation to Modern Elite Rule

The Protestant reformers responded to the crises of the 1520s, such as the German Peasants’ War and the Anabaptist movement, by once again leaving the interpretation of the Bible to experts. Initially, the Bible had supreme authority (sola scriptura), but when this led to social unrest, its interpretation was again taken over by the experts. This limited the initial liberating ideology of the Reformation, but never completely replaced it.

The catechisms published by both Christian denominations from the 16th century onwards played an important role in this. It was a dynamic movement that allowed anyone who accepted and spread the teachings to become a preacher. The Reformation thus combined the recognition of a moral claim to leadership with the possibility of social advancement.

Overall, the Reformation paved the way for a modern knowledge society in which radical and conservative elements were mixed. Despite apparent secularisation, the influence of religion remains strong, as William Faulkner said: “The past is not dead, it is not even past”.