John Calvin and the Spread of the Reformation

The Reformation spread throughout the northern part of Europe during the 16th

century (1500’s)

England- Puritans and Anglicans Scotland- Presbyterians Scandinavia (Norway and Sweden) – Reformed Switzerland- Calvinists parts of France- Huguenots – followers of Calvinthe Netherlands- Reformed

Nation-states began to align themselves along Protestant and Catholic lines

Lack of religious unity created new tensions (both religious and political)

The rising sense of nationalism came to be associated with religion divisions

John Calvin 1509-1564 Born in France Studied law as a young man Very academic In 1533 Calvin converted to Protestantism

after experiencing some sort of spiritual crisis

Calvin worked to further the Reformation and develop a systematic “reformed” theology

He was invited to Geneva, Switzerland in 1541 to help establish a “Christian society” (theocracy) governed by Protestant civil (lay) and religious leaders

Reformation Wall in Geneva, Switzerland A Celebration of the Reformation and its Leaders

Geneva

John Calvin’s Influence Calvin was an brilliant scholar and preacher He worked to understand the scriptures and

communicate the truths of God Education was stressed- intellectual rigor

Based on Christian (biblical) principles Hard work was praised and rewarded

Seen as part of God’s calling on one’s life High moral standards were set in place,

encouraged, and enforced Family life was held in high regard and

encouraged

Calvin’s Geneva- Geneva was governed by a powerful group of

lay (non-ordained) church leaders Their duty was to oversee and carry out the

guidelines set for this new Christian society Daily life was regulated according to the

guidelines set by the church Playing cards, heavy drinking, missing church

services, dancing, being critical of church leaders were all investigated and very often punished

Preaching of the scriptures was the most important part of the worship service NOT the Eucharist – Holy Communion Calvin (and Luther) kept three sacraments of the

Church Communion Baptism (infant baptism) Marriage

Churches were stripped of religious decoration- statues, stained glass, etc. Singing (hymns and the psalms) was allowed but no

instruments were used

Perceived heretics were sometimes persecuted

In 1550, Michael Servetus was arrested and burned at the stake for challenging the doctrine of the Holy Trinity

Many believed that “heretical” ideas would undermine the church and its true mission

The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Published in 1559 Calvin’s systematic

theology

Major ideas in The Institutes God is absolutely sovereign over all of his

creation His will is absolute and absolutely just

Human beings are completely sinful and alienated from God

Human beings cannot do anything to gain salvation

Human beings do not have a “free will” to choose God

God “elects” (or predestines) those who will be saved

“…God has once for all determined, both whom he would admit to salvation, and who he would condemn to destruction…..The will of God is the highest justice…..”

Calvin called the idea of God’s election “this terrible decree.”

The doctrine of election brought comfort and certainty to many who believed themselves to be God’s “elect”.

“We call predestination God's eternal decree, by which he compacted with himself what he willed to become of each man. For all are not created in equal condition; rather, eternal life is foreordained for some, eternal damnation for others. Therefore, as any man has been created to one or the other of these ends, we speak of him as predestined to life or death." 

Calvin’s warning

Book III, Chapter XXI (Institutes)

"Human curiosity renders the discussion of predestination, already somewhat difficult of itself, very confusing and even dangerous. [Therefore] if anyone with carefree assurance breaks into this place, he will not succeed in satisfying his curiosity and he will enter a labyrinth from which he can find no exit."

The Westminster Catechism (excerpt)

Question 1: What is the chief and highest end of man?

Answer: Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.

Question 2: How does it appear that there is a God?

Answer: The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.

Question 3: What is the Word of God?

Answer: The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.

Impact of Calvin and his ideas Calvin’s theological ideas influenced the

development of the Presbyterian Church in Scotland

- John Knox The Huguenot (French Calvinists) church

in France Puritan churches in England and America

The reformed idea of “calling” or election brought a sense of dignity to all work and worldly endeavors “the Protestant work ethic” Strong appeal to the middle class

Max Weber’s thesis on Protestantism and modern capitalism

Calvin’s model of scholarship encouraged a high standard of intellectual engagement with the Bible and the application of its truths. Example: Princeton University