by Angela Donlon-Gatchell

Created on: August 02, 2008

In a time of great discord between the Roman Catholic Church and the Reformers lived a man who turned religion inside out and formed a theological system known today as Calvinism. His existence began July 10, 1509 in Noyon, France: being the fourth of five children. Not much is said of his youth however his father was an administrator in the town's cathedral and his father had strong desires for his son to become a priest. He was brought up in a strict Roman Catholic Church and surrounded by people of aristocratic nature although he did not hold the same stature.

At the young age of 14, Calvin began his priestly studies at the College de Marche and then transferred over to the College Montaigu. His education was paid through a couple small parishes due to his father's nobility. By the age of 18, Calvin graduated with a masters degree. He continued his studies, with the urging of his father who was now excommunicated from the Church. Calvin's father "ordered" him to study civil law in Orleans. By this time young Calvin had formed bonds with various people who were reformed orientated and in 1532 he published his first book, a commentary on De Clementia by the Roman philosopher, Seneca.

In 1533 Calvin experienced his sudden conversion which led him into dangerous territory. These were the times one could be killed for the act of heresy and the Roman Catholic Church was the judge of what was considered heresy. Calvin was "forced" to flee Paris. The authorities searched his apartment and confiscated all his papers. On May 4, 1534 he gave up his stipends from the Church and thus cut himself off from all ties to the Church of Rome.

Calvin's individual studies and desire had him finish his first edition of Institutes of the Christian Religion in 1536. The book was in such high demand that all the first prints were "exhausted within a year". Instead of simply reprinting his book, Calvin revised it, added more of his commentary and had it printed. Each print thereafter followed suit. He continued with his writings and his sermons were well received for the power and authority he exuded.

Calvin was known for his systematic preaching: verse by verse straight from the Bible. He spent countless hours devoted to the study of the Bible and shared his insights to all who had ears to hear. His spiritual life was strong and courageous; his physical life was that of constant pain and illness. By the time of his death on May 27, 1564 in Geneva, Switzerland Calvin had reshaped religion through leading by example. He breathed life into the Reformation movement and brought "order" and "accountability" to a religious world led by edicts of the King, not God.

Sources:
http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin
http://www.i ep.utm.edu/c/calvin.htm
http://www.calvin.edu/about/a bout_jc.htm
http://www.preaching.com/resources/past_m asters/11563554/page2/archive6

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