John Calvin

Background:

John Calvin was a French Theologian born July 10^th, 1509 in Picardy France. While continuing his education at the University of Orléans, John Calvin joined the cause of the Reformation. Calvin played a huge role in the Reformation and was the leading French Protestant reformer. In fact, he founded his own religion during this time, known as Calvinism. While living Geneva, Calvin created a text where he preached his theological (religious) beliefs. However, in his brief time living in Geneva, Protestant authorities expelled him in 1538. But, was welcomed back in 1541 soon after his return from Germany. Upon his return to Geneva, John Calvin, established a religious government and also received complete supremacy as a leader in Geneva. 

Geneva:

Geneva location during Reformation period.

As mentioned in the Background section of this blog, Calvin spent much time in Geneva. Although the first period of time he spent there was brief, once he returned he stayed and left a great impact on Geneva. One impact he left on Geneva was its government. When Calvin returned to Geneva he set his mind on basing the government of Geneva on religion. Now, under a religious-based government, Genevan citizens were required to follow a different style of life. John Calvin based the Genevan government on the ideas of Protestantism. Calvin differed greatly from Luther due to his lack of emotion. Luther held a great passion whereas John focused on facts and intellect. This lack of emotion showed while he ruled Geneva under absolute supremacy. In only the first five opening years to his rule, 56 people were executed for their religious beliefs, as well as 76 exiled. It is obvious that John is strict and straightforward with his way of governing. Calvin also outlawed all forms of art except music, which also was confined to non-instrumental. Although his governing styles may be harsh and strict, it led Geneva to become a center of Protestantism. 

Calvinism:

An image of John Calvin

During the Protestant movement, John Calvin, being one of the leading reformers, founded his own religion. Calvin and his and followers, known as Calvinists, formed the religion of Calvinism. This religion is a branch of Protestantism based off of John Calvin's theological ideas. Many principles of Calvinism can be found in the Institutes of the Christian Religion, written by John Calvin. This religion heavily emphasizes God's grace as well as the doctrine of predestination. Predestination is a doctrine (belief) which meant that God has already decided who will gain eternal life. John Calvin believed this and based his religion of this idea. 

Accomplishments:

The foundation of Calvinism is one of his greatest accomplishments. However being a leading Protestant reformer is another one of Calvin's greatest accomplishments, which even led to the foundation of Calvinism. His greatest contributions to the Reformation occurred during the Reformation's second phase, or generation. Calvin was He is also known for writing the Institutio Christianae Religionis, which translated from Latin means the Institutes of the Christian Religion. In this work, Calvin speaks on theological ideas and covered topics from doctrines of church. This text was an attempt to standardize Protestant theories and ideas. 

     Question Response:

      Martin Luther was raised by two parents who were both poor. Both parents wanted their child to be more successful than them, which is why they made Luther attend school. However Luther was          baptized as a Catholic. But being raised in a poor family, Luther realized how unfair it was to be a      part of a religion that required money to have their sins forgiven or a church that requires constant      tax. This injustice led Martin to protest and begin the Protestant Reformation.

          As a member of the Roman Catholic Church, the Reformation Era influenced my life because it          helped lead to changes in my religion. These changes still stand today in Catholic Church. Also,          the Reformation Era affected my life because it brought forth new religions which many of my            peers follow. 
          
         The emuncial movement was an effort to bring unity among different Christian religions. The             reformation era led to this because the Protestants called to the injustices of the Catholic church,         which can cause the two religions to move forward together in history.
         
         The Reformation impacted to the principles of Christianity today, because the reformation led to         changes in Christianity and the Catholic Church.

    Questions for Reader:

f            1. What beliefs did John Calvin base Calvinism on and what text speaks on these beliefs?
        2.  How was John Calvin treated as a leader of Geneva and how did the treatment impact his                     governing style. 

Works Cited:

 Bouwsma, William J. “John Calvin.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 25 May 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/John-Calvin.

 “John Calvin.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 28 Apr. 2017, www.biography.com/people/john-calvin-9235788.

Photographs:

     http://thecripplegate.com/john-calvin-in-200-words/

     https://www.britannica.com/place/Geneva-Switzerland