Jean Calvin studied literature and philosophy in Paris, law in Orléans and Bourges, then Hebrew, Greek and theology again in Paris. Coming from a humanist background, he adhered to the Reformation in 1533. Following the Affair of the Placards in 1534, during which Protestants plastered writings attacking the Catholic Mass in various cities, leading to a violent political reaction against the Protestants , he was forced to leave Paris to take refuge in Basel.
He published in Latin in 1536 the founding text of Calvinism, On the institution of the Christian religion . He translated his text into French in 1541.
In 1536, he settled in Geneva, called by Guillaume Farel (French reformer). He was banished from it in 1538 by the “libertines” in favor of tolerance and opposed to the moral and religious discipline he wanted to impose. Having gone to Strasbourg, he taught theology and directed the Reformed Church of France.
He was called back to Geneva in 1541, he undertook to transform the city into an exemplary city, the center of the Reformation. He participated in the drafting of the Ecclesiastical Ordinances which presented the status of the Reformed Church of the city.
The application of the Reformation was not easy, and Calvin had to resort to force to face political and religious opponents whom he often condemned to exile or death.
1509 - 1564
Status
Theologian
Pastor
Protestant Reformer