The Successor
Heinrich Bullinger 1504 - 1575
Exhibition in the Grossmünster, Zurich
From 11 June to 17 October 2004
Who was Heinrich Bullinger? I've never even heard of Heinrich Bullinger!
This is the response any reference to Heinrich Bullinger is likely to provoke today.
Yet Heinrich Bullinger made an immense contribution to the Reformation in Switzerland and to the Reformation throughout Europe.
2004 sees the 500th anniversary of Bullinger's birth; this provides an opportunity to bring this manšs life and work to a wider audience
On 11 September 1531 Huldrich Zwingli, the Reformer of Zurich, died on the battlefield at Kappel.
On 23 November 1531 Heinrich Bullinger thundered forth in his sermon in the Grossmünster, such that to many in the congregation it appeared that Zwingli was not dead, but rather, like a phoenix, had risen again from the flames.
On 9 December 1531 the Council of Zurich unanimously elected Heinrich Bullinger as Huldryth Zwinglišs successor.
Bullinger was head of the Zurich church for forty-four years. Over the course of these years he stamped the Reformation in Zurich and in Switzerland with distinctive character. Bullinger's crowning achievement was the secure basis given to the Swiss Reformation ensuring its long-term
survival.
As Successor
Heinrich Bullinger was born the son of a Catholic priest in Bremgarten. How was he educated and trained?
As Reformer
In the course of his academic studies and subsequently as a teacher at the monastery at Kappel Bullinger embraced the Reformation. Who were the men philosophers and reformers who influenced him?
As Politician
Zwingli, the Reformer of Zurich, had led the city into war; the Council was determined that the Church should no longer be involved in the political affairs of the day. How then was Bullinger able to retain an influencial role for the Church?
As Pastor
Preaching, teaching and pastoral care were important elements of
Bullinger's life. How did he respond to plague, poverty and illness? How did he regard those forced into exile on account of their religion, or Muslims and Jews as non-Christians, or Catholics and Anabaptists?
As Husband
Bullinger's wife was a former nun, Anna Adlischwyler. What was Bullinger's concept of the role of women? What was his view of marriage
As Father
Bullinger was father to eleven children. Many of them were married to members of the governing elite. What became of them?
As Writer
Bullinger was author, co-author and editor of over one hundred and thirty printed works. What did he write about?
As Historian
Bullinger had a long-standing interest in history, in particular the
history of Zurich and the Swiss Confederation. What the significance of history to Bullinger?
As Preacher
Bullinger preached seven thousand times, three times more frequently than a pastor today. He believed that the preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God itself. What did he preach about, and why?
As Teacher
Bullinger was also a teacher and pedagogue. Protestant reformed pastors were trained in a college attached to the Grossmünster. What did Bullinger expect from his pastors? What is expected from pastors today?
As Correspondent
Two thousand letters written by Bullinger still survive today, alongside ten thousand letters which he received. His web of correspondents stretched across Europe. Who wrote these letters? Who received them? What did they write about?
Bullinger's Legacy Today
The Second Helvetic Confession, the alliance with Calvin and covenant theology were amongst Bullinger's most significant achievements. What was their lasting impact? What does faith mean today?
The Venue for the Exhibition
The exhibition is on display in the Grossmünster in Zurich. This is an unusual yet fitting setting for it was here that Bullinger lived and worked for forty-four years. Bullinger will take his place in the pulpit once again and his views will resonate through the Grossmünster.
The Successor
Heinrich Bullinger 1504 - 1575
Exhibition in the Grossmünster, Zurich
From 11 June to 17 October 2004
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday, 10am to 6pm
Friday and Saturday, 10am to 8pm
Sunday, 12 to 6pm
Tram 4, 15 Tram Stop: Helmhaus
An Exhibition by the Protestant-Reformed Churches of Zurich and Aargau; Academic Advisor: Institute for Swiss Reformation History; Conceived and Designed by Weingarten & Partner, Ausstellungen und Kulturprojekte, Zurich
With the support of Vontobel-Stiftung, Kanton Zürich Fonds für
gemeinnützige Zwecke, Schweizerische Reformationsstiftung, Baugartenstiftung, Kanton Aargau Lotteriefond, Reformierter Stadtverband Zürich, Reformierter Stadtverband Winterthur, Diakoniewerk Neumünster, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Präsidialdepartement der Stadt Zürich, Migros Kulturprozent, University of Zurich, Logotex AG Zürich und individuals.