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Famous Christians in History
Among the most well-known names in Christian history are prominent theologians like Martin Luther and Jonathan Edwards. Yet, the lives of countless famous Christians in history are worthy of our contemplation. This page is designed to enrich your Christian heritage by providing detailed information about the men and women who helped shape and reform the face of Christianity today.
John Wycliffe (1324-1384)
John Wycliffe is called the Morning Star of the Reformation because of his work speaking out against church abuses and translating the Bible, 200 years before Martin Luther. The Lollards, a group of traveling lay preachers, were inspired by Wycliffe and kept his ideas alive. Discover how John Wycliffe influenced John Huss, Martin Luther, and...
Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Learn about Martin Luther (1483-1546), one of the most notable theologians in Christian history. This German monk and religious scholar was...
Ulrich Zwingli (1484-1531)
Ulrich Zwingli is not as famous as Martin Luther or John Calvin, yet he was a major figure in early church reform. He taught that the Bible is the authority in what Christians should believe and practice, not the theology of men. Learn how Ulrich Zwingli began reforms that influence all Protestant churches today.
William Tyndale (1494-1536)
William Tyndale was a brave English reformer fluent in eight languages. Without a doubt, God had equipped him for the mission he would fulfill in his short but laser-focused life. Discover why William Tyndale is considered the true father of the English Bible.
John Calvin (1509-1564)
John Calvin was one of the major figures in Reformed Christianity, establishing doctrines that are practiced by millions today. His beliefs about salvation and eternal security revolutionized the church. Read about the fascinating life of John Calvin, theologian and church reformer.
Jacobus Arminius (1560-1609)
In offering alternatives to the doctrines of Calvinism, Arminius started a controversy that continues in the Christian church 500 years after his death. Explore the concept of man’s free will, as envisioned by Dutch theologian Jacobus Arminius.
William Penn (1644-1718)
William Penn, an English Quaker, guaranteed religious tolerance while founding the colony of Pennsylvania. Learn how William Penn incorporated Quaker beliefs in the government of Pennsylvania, his 'Holy Experiment.'
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
George Frideric Handel was a small man, barely over five feet tall, yet this determined composer left a remarkable musical legacy, including the masterpiece, Messiah. Handel could not be stopped in his drive to write over two dozen major Christian works.
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758)
This Jonathan Edwards biography details his influence on modern religion. Learn about Jonathan Edwards, the fiery revivalist preacher, pioneer in the Reformed Church, and major figure in the First Great Awakening.
John Wesley (1703-1791)
John Wesley is best-known for two things: co-founding Methodism and his tremendous work ethic. Learn why John Wesley is admired as one of the true giants of Christianity.
Dr. John Thomas (1805-1871)
Read a brief biography of Dr. John Thomas, founder of the Christadelphians. Learn the influences on Dr. John Thomas' theology and how the Christadelphian religion began.
Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910)
This Mary Baker Eddy biography details events that shaped her teaching. Mary Baker Eddy, founder of Christian Science, tried to duplicate the healing methods of Jesus.