Biography of John Calvin, Reformation Leader
Father of the Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregational Churches
Oct 26, 2009
Most historians consider John Calvin to be the most influential leader of the second generation of the Protestant Reformation. Calvin's book Institutes of the Christian Religion is still widely studied today.
Calvin's Early Life in France
In 1509, John Calvin was born in Noyon, France. His father worked as an administrator for a Catholic bishop. When Calvin was 14, he went to Paris to study for the priesthood. Later, his father decided he should be a lawyer, so from 1528 to 1531, Calvin studied law at universities in Orleans and Bourges. As a student, he learned about Renaissance humanism, which advocated using classical ideals to reform society.
Since Martin Luther first posted his 95 Theses in 1517, many northern European Christians had broken with the Catholic Church. Returning to Paris, Calvin made the acquaintance of individuals who sought reform. In 1533, Calvin helped Nicolas Cop, rector of the university, prepare a public address advocating Reformation theology. By that time, the French government had grown less tolerant toward reformers. To avoid trouble, Calvin fled Paris. He probably converted to Protestantism about the same time.
Institutes of the Christian Religion
Calvin traveled to Basel, Switzerland, and began to study theology. As part of his studies, he wrote out his beliefs. These writings eventually became his major work Institutes of the Christian Religion, first published in 1536 Calvin agreed with Martin Luther on many important doctrines, such as justification by grace and the need to rely entirely on God’s grace.
Calvin’s greatest influence arose from his disagreements with Luther. Calvin believed in clerical authority far more than Luther did. He also believed, as Luther did not, that Christians have a duty to try to establish God’s kingdom on Earth by submitting society to the law of God. These two beliefs would shape the remainder of Calvin’s career.
Ruling Geneva
The Institutes became a best seller and made Calvin famous. Protestant leaders in Geneva, Switzerland, invited Calvin to move to their city. The Reformation had not taken strong hold there, and Protestants wanted someone to help establish the new faith more deeply. Calvin became a leading minister in Geneva, but many Genevans disagreed with his view that ministers must have strong authority. In particular, the town council, which controlled church affairs, would not grant clergy the power of excommunication. In 1538, the council forced Calvin to leave.
For three years, Calvin lived in Strasbourg, Germany, where he pastored a church for French refugees. Calvin learned much about running an urban church by observing an older minister. In 1540, Calvin married the widow of a man who had been a convert to his church. During his time in Strasbourg, Calvin’s writings, lectures, and attendance at conferences made him an international figure.
In 1541, the city of Geneva asked him to return. Because of his international reputation, he was able to exert more control over the city. The town council passed his legal code, which required religious education for townspeople, set up a new church government, and banned swearing, dancing, and gambling. Many people resented Calvin’s strict laws, so he struggled to rule the city for many years. By 1555, he succeeded in establishing firm control.
Calvin’s Legacy
During his final years, Calvin lent support to Protestants in other places, continued to revise his Institutes, and wrote many books about the Bible. He died in 1564. His theology has had a widespread and lasting influence. His doctrines became the basis for many Christian denominations, including the Reformed, Presbyterian, and Congregational churches.
Sources
Encyclopedia Britannica
Mullett, Michael, “John Calvin the Making of a Reformer: Michael Mullett Introduces the Life and Work of a Remarkable Protestant Leader,” History Review, No. 60, 2008
John Calvin, A Brief Biography, Calvin College
 |
