John Calvin

Date of Birth: July 10, 1509

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: May 27, 1564

Biography

John Calvin, born Jehan Cauvin, was a prominent French theologian, pastor, and reformer during the Protestant Reformation. He was born on July 10, 1509, in Noyon, France. Calvin was a principal figure in the development of the system of Christian theology later called Calvinism, aspects of which include the doctrines of predestination and the absolute sovereignty of God in the salvation of the human soul from death and eternal damnation. Calvin’s ideas were influential in the further development of the Reformed tradition, which includes the Reformed and Presbyterian churches. Calvin initially pursued a career in law but shifted his focus to theology after a conversion experience around 1533. He published his seminal work, “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” in 1536, which became a foundational text for Protestant theology. Calvin spent the majority of his career in Geneva, where he worked tirelessly to build a model Christian community. His influence extended across Europe and into the New World, significantly shaping the course of Western Christianity.

5 Interesting Facts about John Calvin

1. John Calvin was originally trained as a lawyer before turning to theology.

2. His influential book, “Institutes of the Christian Religion,” was first published when he was just 26 years old.

3. Calvin’s reforms in Geneva included the establishment of the Consistory, a church court that enforced moral discipline.

4. He corresponded with many reformers across Europe, including Martin Luther, although the two never met in person.

5. Calvin’s teachings laid the groundwork for the Puritan movement in England and the establishment of Presbyterianism in Scotland.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Calvin

1. “We must make the invisible kingdom visible in our midst.”

2. “There is no worse screen to block out the Spirit than confidence in our own intelligence.”

3. “Faith is not a distant view, but a warm embrace of Christ.”

4. “Man’s nature, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols.”

5. “A dog barks when his master is attacked. I would be a coward if I saw that God’s truth is attacked and yet would remain silent.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Calvin did not accumulate significant personal wealth during his lifetime. As a theologian and pastor, his focus was on religious reform and community building rather than financial gain.

Children

John Calvin and his wife, Idelette de Bure, had three children, but none survived infancy. The couple experienced the loss of all their children at a very young age, which was a source of great personal sorrow for Calvin.