Charisse P.

Anasco
CE3B
Theo 121
Report (John Calvin)

Introduction
John Calvin is a prominent French theologian during the Protestant Reformation and
the father of the theological system known as Calvinism. Martin Luther and Calvin are
arguably the most significant architects of the Reformation. "If Luther sounded the trumpet
for reform, Calvin orchestrated the score by which the Reformation became a part of
Western civilization.
Background
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Calvin studied in France in Paris from 1521 to 1526.

During this time he was introduced to appeals to reform the church.

Eventually from 1525 to 1530 Calvin's father turned him to the study of law.

After his father's death in 1531, Calvin could now make his own choices, which eventually
led him to back to the subject he once loved, theology.
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John Calvin most important Protestant reformer next to Martin Luther

Educated in France, influenced by Erasmus, Renaissance humanists

Supported reforms of Luther in Germany

Who was John Calvin during his time?

Anti-Catholic

Influenced by Martin Luther

Disagreed with Luthers Salvation through faith alone.

Created his own Protestant religion in Switzerland

How John Calvin supported Luthers Writings

Calvin started to learn about religous issues in France especially Jacques

Lefvre d'taples, a disciple of Luther, who tried to force Luther's views in
Paris.
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Eventually Lefvre was forced to leave Paris.

After hearing about Lefvre, Calvin went to visit him in Nerac.

The meeting between them led to the writing of one of Calvin's most famous
books, Institutes of the Christian Religion.

Institutes of the Christian Religion

The Institutes of the Christian Religion was written as an introductory

textbook on the Protestant faith.

Calvin offers instruction in Christian doctrine while defending Protestant

teaching against its critics.

The first edition reflects the influence of Martin Luther ideas on Protestantism.
(EBSCOhost)

He composed five Latin editions of his book and translated or supervised four
translations into French.

Calvin Believed in:

Calvin believed in:

Salvation through Predestination

At birth it is decided if you will go to heaven or hell

Foreknowledge
God knows everything that will happen in your life
Purified approach to life:
No drinking, swearing, card playing, gambling etc..

Calvinism
Started in Switzerland Calvinists
England = Puritans
Scotland = Presbyterians
Holland = Dutch Reform
France = Huguenots
Germany = Reform Church
Things to remember
1. Problems in the church like selling indulgences led to the Reformation.
2. Martin Luther and others argued that God provided salvation, not the church.
Catholic vs. Protestants
Protestants:
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Salvation is the free gift of God, you cannot earn it.

Only God can forgive sins

Regular church members help make decisions.

Catholics:
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Jesus offers salvation but you must work to get it.

Popes can forgive sins.

Only clergy make decisions in the church.

Similarities:
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Jesus lived, was crucified and resurrected.

Communion and baptism are very important