In 1506, Ulrich Zwingli was chosen to be the parish priest of Glarus, a significant milestone in his youth. It provided him with a chance to transition into a role of spiritual leadership and begin developing his views towards religion and the church. As the parish priest at Glarus, Zwingli worked assiduously, handling religious education for the parishioners, conducting Mass, and providing pastoral care to the population. His parish priest work not only enhanced his identification with the masses but also gave him insight into the religious rituals and demands of ordinary Swiss citizens.

In the fulfillment of his pastoral functions, Zwingli committed himself to rigorous studies. This phase of mental growth was dominated by his zeal for the works of classical Greek and Roman authors. He had read the writings of such great men as Demosthenes, the great Athenian orator who was renowned for his passionate speeches in defense of democracy; Cicero, the Roman statesman and philosopher whose treatises on rhetoric, ethics, and politics were a Renaissance set of must-reads; and Seneca, the Stoic philosopher who emphasized the virtues and moral fiber. Zwingli also read about the lives and works of men such as Scipio Africanus, the Roman commander who won the Punic Wars against Hannibal. Such ancient writings enabled Zwingli to sharpen his logical, rhetorical, and critical thinking abilities.

Studying classical literature was not merely theoretical for him. Such reading shaped his theology and reformist thinking. Zwingli believed that the wisdom of these early writers could be utilized to enhance moral and spiritual instruction. The focus in these texts on justice, virtue, and the pursuit of truth resonated with him and would later influence his preaching and reform strategies. Zwingli’s time in Glarus marked a turning point, as his exposure to classical humanism, combined with his dedication to Scripture, began to sow the seeds of his future work as a Reformer.