The crux of Calvin’s “Reply to Sadoleto” focuses on the theological criticisms of Roman Catholicism and the formation of Reformation theology. Calvin argues that the Roman Catholic Church first and foremost silenced the Gospel, which led to the perversion of the four things on which the safety of the church is founded, which are doctrine, discipline, the sacraments, and ceremonies (9). In order to purify these vital elements of the church, the Catholic Church needs to change its perspective on the understanding of true faith, the true church, and the authority of the universal church.
Calvin believes that having the right understanding of faith is an integral part of Christian faith and a cornerstone of the church.…