Farel’s Shock Tactics - 1530
William Farel.
Introduction
William Farel was a fiery preacher responsible for spreading the Reformation throughout Switzerland and recruiting several notable individuals to help with the work. Among these were Pierre Viret and John Calvin. However, Farel’s tactics were so rough that his friend Oecolampadius warned him to remember to teach rather than to curse. His methods are demonstrated by his behavior at Valangin on this day, August 15, 1530. He attended a mass, but in the midst of it went up to the priest, tore the host forcibly from his hands, and said to the people:
Quote
“This is not the God whom you worship: he is above in heaven, even in the majesty of the Father.”
Source
Smith, Preserved. The Age of the Reformation. New York: Henry Holt, 1920.