Calvinism - Reflexions

Calvinism

A Protestant religious doctrine that claims its roots in the work of Calvin. A French theologian, Jean Calvin (1509-1564) fled his country and established himself in the Republic of Geneva in 1536, which had recently become independent. There he developed a rigorous Protestantism which ended up being merged with the management of the town. He also imposed strict control of individuals’ behaviour, which was regulated down to the smallest detail. Sources of entertainment were banned and debauchery was severely punished. Anyone who transgressed the rules was persecuted and even executed. Calvin was also a great theologian who is credited with applying a clear and logical system to Protestant thought. In his main work, Institutes of the Christian Religion, he affirms the sovereignty of God, the sole master of human salvation.