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Explore the rich history of Calvinism over the past five centuries in “500 Years of Calvinism—What Has It Achieved?” From its founding by John Calvin to its influence on modern Protestant denominations, this comprehensive article examines the good, the bad, and the ugly of a movement that has shaped religious thought and practice around the world. Discover Calvin’s work in Geneva, theological debates, the spread of Calvinistic ideals, and its controversial legacy.

Anabaptists, Mennonites, and Hutterites

Some Protestant groups felt that the Reformation did not completely address the problems of the Catholic papist church. They believed the Christian church should only consist of baptized and practicing faithful, rejecting infant baptism and emphasizing the separation of Church and State. This belief led them to secretly rebaptize fellow believers, giving rise to the name Anabaptists (with “ana” meaning “again” in Greek).

They were viewed as societal threats because of their refusal to bear arms, take oaths, or accept public office. Both Catholics and Protestants persecuted them.

Initially, the Anabaptists were scattered in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. Their numbers grew as they spread their beliefs. However, a radical group’s capture of the city of Münster in 1534 led to a violent response, giving the Anabaptists a bad reputation. Most Anabaptists were peaceful and sought a simple, quiet life. The better organized descendants include the Mennonites and Hutterites, many of whom migrated to Eastern Europe and North America, forming Amish and Hutterite communities.

Emergence of Calvinism

The reform in Switzerland was advanced by Frenchman Jean Cauvin, or John Calvin (1509-64). After leaving Paris due to religious persecution, Calvin settled in Basel, Switzerland, and published Institutes of the Christian Religion. This work became the doctrinal foundation for the Reformed churches in Europe and America.

Calvin’s theology emphasized the sovereignty of God, who controls everything, and the sinful nature of fallen man. He taught that salvation was not reliant on good works but solely on God, leading to his doctrine of predestination.

Calvin’s teachings reflected austerity. He insisted on holy and virtuous living and argued for a church free of civil restrictions, believing that only through the church could a truly godly society be established.

Calvin settled in Geneva and worked with William Farel to implement Calvinism. They aimed to turn Geneva into a theocracy of God-rule, with strict regulations governing religious and public life. Harsh treatment was given to those differing in theology, such as the notorious burning of Michael Servetus.

For his bold criticisms, Servetus was condemned by the Catholic Church and executed by slow burning by the Calvinists. Calvin’s extreme religious fanaticism and personal hatred blinded him. Calvin’s justification for his actions reflects a failure to adhere to Christian principles, such as love for enemies (Matthew 5:44). Calvin justified his actions in these words: “When the papists are so harsh and violent in defense of their superstitions that they rage cruelly to shed innocent blood, are not Christian magistrates shamed to show themselves less ardent in defense of the sure truth?”

Calvin continued his reform in Geneva until his death, leading to the establishment of the Reformed church. Calvinism spread to various European countries and North America. In many ways, Calvin had a greater influence on the development of the Protestant Reformation than Luther.

Reformation in England

The English Reformation, separate from the movements in Germany and Switzerland, can be traced back to John Wycliffe. His preaching and translation work engendered the Protestant spirit in England. The publication of the Bible in English was a powerful factor in the English Reformation.

Henry VIII’s declaration of the Act of Supremacy in 1534 marked the formal break from Roman Catholicism, making him the head of the Church of England. However, his actions were more political than religious.

Under Elizabeth I, the Church of England adopted Protestant practices while retaining some Catholic structure. This conservatism led to dissatisfaction, giving rise to dissenting groups like the Puritans, Separatists, Independents, Quakers, and Methodists, each with unique beliefs and practices. Many dissidents moved to other countries, further developing Congregational and Baptist churches.

500 Years of Calvinism—What Has It Achieved?

Jean Cauvin (John Calvin) – The Founder of Calvinism

JEAN CAUVIN (John Calvin) was born in Noyon, France, in 1509. He initiated a religious movement that profoundly influenced many parts of Europe, the Americas, South Africa, and beyond. As a prominent church Reformer, his teachings continue to resonate in various Protestant denominations. Today, Calvinism boasts 75 million adherents across 107 countries, according to the World Alliance of Reformed Churches.

At Odds With Catholicism

Calvin’s father, an attorney and a secretary for the Catholic Church, likely witnessed much of the clergy’s misconduct. Although the specifics are unknown, Calvin’s father and brother were eventually excommunicated. When his father died, John struggled to secure a Christian burial, likely strengthening his mistrust of Catholicism.

Most biographies mention little about Calvin’s youth, describing him as reserved. However, his quick mind and astonishing memory led to a doctorate in law by age 23. He was known for his solemn, disciplined work ethic, a trait still linked to Calvinism today.

Calvin’s Emergence as a Reformer

Across the border, Martin Luther’s protest against the Catholic Church’s corruption spread the Reformation across Europe. Calvin found himself in peril when he helped his friend Nicholas Cop write a speech supporting Luther. This forced him to flee Paris, never to return.

In 1536, Calvin published Institutes of the Christian Religion, attacking Catholic teachings and upholding God’s sovereignty. This work, a cornerstone of Protestant faith, made him one of the major Reformers.

Pursuing Reforms in Geneva

Calvin dramatically transformed Geneva’s moral fabric. His efforts resulted in thousands of Protestant refugees boosting the city’s economy. However, Geneva was not safe for everyone; Calvin’s former acquaintance Michael Servetus was arrested and executed for heresy in 1553. Calvin’s legacy includes his writings and sermons, his vision for Geneva as a city of God, but also a decline in the city’s Calvinist population to just 16 percent in the year 2000.

Religious Disunity Proliferates

The Reformation led to religious disunity in Europe, with cities and states choosing between Catholicism, Lutheranism, or Calvinism. Even within the Protestant camp, there were disagreements, particularly concerning predestination. Calvinism became entangled with controversial doctrines, leading to division and confusion.

Calvinism’s Blemished Legacy

In the 20th century, the Calvinist Dutch Reformed Church supported racial discrimination in South Africa. Nelson Mandela accused the church of giving apartheid its religious justification. In the 1990s, the church publicly apologized, acknowledging they had misused the Bible to support apartheid.

John Calvin’s death in 1564 marked the end of a life that had far-reaching impacts. The Protestant work ethic—marked by industriousness, self-discipline, and dedication to duty—bears close resemblance to the values of John Calvin, reflecting both the positive and negative aspects of his legacy.

Calvinism from 1990-2020: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Overview:

The Good: During the period from 1990 to 2020, Calvinism has witnessed a resurgence in various theological circles. Many have appreciated Calvinism’s emphasis on God’s sovereignty, the seriousness with which it takes the Scriptures, and its strong intellectual tradition. Several key theologians and popular preachers have revitalized the Calvinist teachings, spreading its influence in seminaries, churches, and through various media. The movement has also contributed to charitable efforts and has often been aligned with traditional moral values.
The Bad: However, there have also been problematic areas within the Calvinistic tradition during this time frame. Its doctrine of predestination has remained divisive within Christianity and has led to internal schisms. Some groups have interpreted Calvinistic teachings in a way that led to exclusivism and a lack of evangelistic zeal. Additionally, there have been instances where the strong emphasis on God’s sovereignty has been accused of leading to a lack of personal responsibility and passivity in addressing social injustices.
The Ugly: Unfortunately, the Calvinist tradition has also had its ugly side during this period. In some cases, Calvinist teachings were used to justify or support political or social stances that were highly controversial, such as racial discrimination in certain contexts. This has sometimes resulted in a public backlash against Calvinism and has tarnished its reputation in the eyes of some observers. The debates and divisions within Calvinism have, at times, been acrimonious and have led to significant fragmentation within the movement.

Conclusion: The period from 1990 to 2020 has been a complex and multifaceted time for Calvinism. The revival of its teachings and the growth of its influence have been matched by ongoing debates, controversies, and challenges. Its contributions to theological thought and Christian living have been significant, but the movement has also faced serious criticisms and internal divisions. The comprehensive assessment of Calvinism during these three decades reveals a rich yet conflicted tradition, grappling with both its historical legacy and the contemporary cultural and theological landscape.

Foreknowledge and Free Will: Exploring a Bible Difficulty

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).