Reformation Day: 5 lesser-known Protestant leaders

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Thursday, October 31, 2019

Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560)

Philipp Melanchthon was an educator, theologian, and the principle author of the Augsburg Confession, a major statement of faith for the Lutheran Church.

A friend of Martin Luther, Melanchthon defended his views in academic debates, including with notable Catholic scholar Johann Eck.

“At Luther’s urging, Melanchthon lectured on Paul’s Letter to the Romans and in 1521 published the Loci communes rerum theologicarum (‘Theological Commonplaces’), the first systematic treatment of Reformation thought,” explained Britannica.

“Luther declared that the Loci communes deserved a place in the canon of scriptures; the University of Cambridge in England later made it required reading, and Queen Elizabeth I virtually memorized it so she could converse about theology.”