Luther and the Spanish Reformers

Abstract: Few of the Spanish Reformers actually met Luther or the other Reformers in person. However, despite the drastic measures taken by the Spanish authorities to keep “Lutheran” literature from entering Spain, the Spanish Reformers were well versed in Luther’s writings. Prohibition engendered curiosity and curiosity a desire to learn more, which eventually led to acceptance of the Reformed faith, and in many cases martyrdom. This essay centers on early reactions to Luther and his message, the efforts of the Spanish ecclesiastical authorities to ban heretical literature, and the personal experiences of three men who had encounters with the northern Reformers: Francisco de Enzinas, Augustin de Cazalla, and Constantino de la Fuente.