The Ideas and Influence of Calvin

John Calvin was a French theologian who played a pivotal role in shaping the Protestant Reformation.
Born in 1509, he was deeply influenced by humanist scholars and initially studied law and humanism before turning to theology.
His seminal work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, published in 1536, outlined his principles of faith and significantly influenced Protestant theology.

Calvin’s theology developed the ideas of Martin Luther and emphasised the absolute sovereignty of God and predestination.
He believed in the total depravity of humans and that only some were destined to be saved, while others were destined to be damned - a sharp contrast to Catholic teachings.
The ‘Doctrine of the Elect’ suggested that only those chosen by God could attain salvation and enter heaven.
His focus on the divine authority of the scriptures led to the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, asserting the Bible as the supreme authority on theology.
Calvin also advocated for a stricter moral code and emphasised hard work, thrift, and self-reliance.

After his exile from France due to his pathological beliefs, Calvin sought refuge in the Swiss city of Geneva.
At this time, Geneva had declared its independence from the local bishop and embraced Protestantism, and the city leaders invited Calvin to lead their church reform.
His reforms included the enforcement of moral discipline and stringent rules governing personal and public life, making Geneva a model ‘City of God.’
Geneva became a magnet for Protestants across Europe, and Calvin’s strict rule and rigorous theological system spread his influence beyond the borders of the city.

His influence extended to Scotland through John Knox, a Scottish clergyman who studied under Calvin and took his ideas back, leading to the formation of the Presbyterian Church.
In Netherlands, Calvinism took root and played a crucial role in the rebellion against Spanish Habsburg rule, contributing to the formation of the Dutch Republic.
Even in Catholic-dominated France, Calvinism found followers amongst the lower nobility and middle class, leading to the religious wars of the late 16th century.
His teachings also spread to the New World with the settlement of the Puritans in North America, deeply influencing the socio-religious landscape of the continent.

Calvin’s teachings and religious reforms had a far-reaching impact during the Reformation, influencing not just the theological landscape but also societal norms and political developments across continents. By 1564, Calvinism had become a dominant force in various parts of Europe and was poised to shape the course of Protestantism further.