Reformation Day: 7 notable enemies of Martin Luther
3. Johann Eck
Born Johann Maier in the village of Eck and also known as John Eck, Johann Eck was a prominent Catholic theologian and professor at the University of Ingolstadt in Bavaria.
Eck famously debated Martin Luther and Andreas Karlstadt (more on him later) at the Leipzig Debate during the summer of 1519, and published multiple works defending Catholic teaching.
“In 1525, he published his Enchiridion, a polemical manual describing what he deemed the major Protestant errors. It would become his most popular and reprinted work,” explained Reformation 500.
“He taught, served both university and parish in numerous capacities, and continued publishing, including a 1537 German translation of the New Testament intended to counteract Luther’s.”
While often debating Reformation figures, Eck was twice involved in diplomatic efforts between the two groups, with him reaching some amicable agreements with his ideological foes.
