Reformed theology is rooted in the ideas that emerged out of the Swiss Reformation of the 16th century, particularly Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and those who followed in their footsteps. Centered in Scripture and relying on a theology of grace, Reformed theology continued to grow and develop throughout Europe, becoming the basic theology behind much of the Protestant movement. While Lutheran theology is not explicitly Reformed, the Lutheran and Reformed strands of thought informed each other over the centuries while maintaining a significantly separate identity. "Though the development of Reformed theology began in 16th century Europe, it has continued to be shaped in new ways as it has spread to new times and new places. A central element of much of Reformed theology is the idea of Ecclesia reformata, semper reformanda, meaning, 'The church reformed, always being reformed.' Toward this end, scholars, theologians, and pastors have continued the development of the Reformed tradition through the centuries. Some of the major theologians identified with Reformed theology since the 16th century include B.B. Warfield, Charles Hodge, Karl Barth, Reinhold Niebuhr, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and many others. Though its roots are in Europe, Reformed theology today continues to develop in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa and Asia. "Denominations rooted in some form of Reformed theology today include any number of Reformed churches, Presbyterian denominations, and many Congregational traditions. Other denominations and Christian traditions have used Reformed theology as the basis for their own theology, particularly many Baptist and Methodist traditions.
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