John Calvin-Life,Legacy and Theology

JOHN CALVIN : LIFE, LEGACY AND THEOLOGY -
PROF. M. M. NINAN
Impact on France
Calvin was deeply committed to reforming his homeland, France. The Protestant movement had been
energetic, but lacked central organizational direction. With financial support from the church in
Geneva, Calvin turned his enormous energies toward uplifting the French Protestant cause. As one
historian explains:
He supplied the dogma, the liturgy, and the moral ideas of the new religion, and he also created
ecclesiastical, political, and social institutions in harmony with it. A born leader, he followed up his
work with personal appeals. His vast correspondence with French Protestants shows not only much
zeal but infinite pains and considerable tact and driving home the lessons of his printed treatises.
Between 1555 and 1562, more than 100 ministers were sent to France. Nevertheless French King
Henry II severely persecuted Protestants under the Edict of Chateaubriand and when the French
authorities complained about the missionary activities, the city fathers of Geneva disclaimed official
responsibility.
While instituting many positive policies, Calvin's government also punished "impiety" and dissent
against his particularly spare vision of Christianity with execution.
The struggle over control of Geneva lasted until May 1555, when Calvin finally prevailed and could
devote himself more wholeheartedly to other matters. He had constantly to watch the international
scene and to keep his Protestant allies in a common front. Toward this end he engaged in a massive
correspondence with political and religious leaders throughout Protestant Europe.
He also continued his commentaries on Scripture, working through the whole New Testament except
the Revelation to John and most of the Old Testament. Many of these commentaries were promptly
published, often with dedications to such European rulers as Queen Elizabeth, though Calvin had too
little time to do much of the editorial work himself. Committees of amanuenses took down what he
said, prepared a master copy, and then presented it to Calvin for approval. During this period Calvin
also established the Genevan Academy to train students in humanist learning in preparation for the
ministry and positions of secular leadership. He also performed a wide range of pastoral duties,
preaching regularly and often, doing numerous weddings and baptisms, and giving spiritual advice
In 1559 Calvin founded what is now the University of Geneva…
Calvin, for his part, preached twice every Sunday and every day of alternate weeks. When not
preaching, he lectured as the Old Testament professor three times a week. He took his place regularly
on the Consistory, which met every Thursday. And he was either on committees or incessantly being
asked for advice about matters relating to the deacons.
Calvin drove himself beyond his body's limits. When he could not walk the couple of hundred yards to
church, he was carried in a chair to preach. When the doctor forbade him to go out in the winter air to
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