Page "Martin Bucer" Paragraph 19

Beginning in 1524, Bucer concentrated on the main issue dividing leading reformers, the eucharist.

In this dispute, he attempted to mediate between Martin Luther and Huldrych Zwingli.

The two theologians disagreed on whether the body and blood of Christ were truly present within the elements of bread and wine during the celebration of the Lord's Supper.

Luther believed in the real presence of Christ ; and Zwingli believed in a symbolic presence.

By late 1524, Bucer had abandoned the idea of the real presence and, after some exegetical studies, accepted Zwingli's interpretation.

However, he did not believe the Reformation depended on either position but on faith in Christ, other matters being secondary.

In this respect he differed from Zwingli.