In 1497, Ulrich Zwingli began his formal education when his father sent him to study under his uncle, the Dean of Wesen. This initial stage of learning marked the start of Zwingli’s intellectual journey. His uncle, a respected clergyman, provided Zwingli with a solid foundation in the basics of reading, writing, and religious instruction. It was during this time that Zwingli’s natural curiosity and intelligence began to shine. Recognizing his potential, his family made the significant decision to send him to the city of Basel for further education.

Basel, a hub of intellectual activity in Switzerland, exposed Zwingli to new ideas and ways of thinking. He thrived in this environment, excelling in his studies and earning a reputation as a diligent and gifted student. His academic achievements quickly caught the attention of teachers and local clergy, who saw in him a bright future. In addition to his sharp intellect, Zwingli displayed remarkable skills as an orator. Even at a young age, he was known for his eloquence and ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and passion. This talent made him a natural fit for a life in the church, and many in the clergy viewed him as the perfect candidate for monastic life.

However, Zwingli’s path was not destined for the traditional monastic route. As he progressed in his education, he was exposed to the emerging ideas of the Renaissance, which emphasized critical thinking, a return to original sources, and humanistic learning. His studies in Basel played a crucial role in shaping his intellectual and theological perspectives. It was here that Zwingli encountered some of the leading thinkers of the time, who would have a lasting impact on his development.

One of the most influential figures in Zwingli’s life during this period was Erasmus of Rotterdam. Erasmus, a Dutch scholar and humanist, was a prominent advocate for reforming the church by emphasizing the study of Scripture in its original languages and criticizing the corruption of religious institutions. Zwingli admired Erasmus’s emphasis on education, scholarship, and the return to biblical sources, ideas that would later form the backbone of Zwingli’s own reforms.

Another key influence was Johannes Oecolampadius, a theologian and early reformer known for his work in translating and interpreting the Bible. Like Erasmus, Oecolampadius believed in the authority of Scripture over church tradition. Additionally, Zwingli was influenced by Thomas Wittenbach, a professor in Basel who openly criticized certain church practices, such as the sale of indulgences, and emphasized justification by faith. Wittenbach’s teachings resonated deeply with Zwingli and helped sow the seeds of his eventual break with the established church.

Zwingli’s time in Basel not only enriched his mind but also set him on a path of spiritual and intellectual exploration that would define the rest of his life. Armed with the ideas and principles of some of the most prominent scholars of his time, Zwingli left Basel more determined than ever to seek truth and reform within the church. His academic brilliance, eloquence, and exposure to new theological ideas laid the foundation for his future role as a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation.