C. Zwingli was influenced by Neoplatonic Christianity, which undervalued matter, contrasting it instead with spiritual reality. Thus, Zwingli wanted simple worship. Luther saw the material as an aid to the spiritual life. In terms of the Eucharist, Luther believed that an inner divine action took place when the outer human action was performed. Zwingli refused to give such efficacy to the sacraments, fearing that this would limit the freedom of the Spirit.
Material elements can only be signs or symbols of spiritual reality.
E. Landgrave Philip of Hesse tried to bring the two reformers together, but the matter of how Christ was present in the Eucharist made agreement impossible. Even as Luther considered a compromise, his companion, Melanchthon reminded him that siding with Zwingli would further alienate Catholic Germans whom Luther was still trying to win for his cause. Interestingly, when Luther s break with the Catholics became irreversible, Melanchthon reached an agreement with the reformers from Switzerland and Strasbourg.