Reformation in Slovene Territory

Abstract

From the theological point of view it may be argued that the Reformation that in the 16th century extended also to Slovene territory was not an entirely uniform movement. As its central representative in this area, Primož Trubar (1508 – 1586) initially tried to create a theological doctrine that would be based on Lutheran and Zwinglian teachings and would be able to transcend the conflict and differences between the Swiss and the German Protestants. After he had been exiled from his homeland and went to live in Württemberg, and in view of the fact that Slovene lands were ruled by a provincial prince of Catholic denomination, Trubar embraced the Philipist principles and strongly opposed the Flacian teachings advocated by Sebastijan Krelj. Yet Krelj could not succeed in the long run. The support of the Philipists, who had become a majority in German lands, was essential to ensure survival of Protestantism in Carniola, Styria, and Carinthia until the end of the 16th century. Protestant beliefs played an important role in the process of spiritual unification of Slovene territory. The so-called »church of Slovene language« (1555), designed by Primož Trubar, managed to transcend the existing boundaries between provinces.