John Calvin Essay Example For Students

John Calvin Essay There are many people in history who have made a very big impact on theirculture, times, and or religion. John Calvin was by far one of these few greatpeople. He had such a big influence in the time which he lived from 1509 to1564. John Calvin devoted almost his whole life to the promoting ofProtestantism and made such a difference that his impact is still seen today inChristianity. Calvin was born in France and was the second son in his family of fivebrothers. He grew and then decided to go to the famous University of Paris tostudy to be a priest. His father then had a conflict with the bishop whoemployed him so he then turned to the study of law. While he was studying inParis he came across the writings of Martin Luther. His cousin then introducedhim to the ideas of reformation. Protestantism began gathering momentum all overEurope. Then by 1533 Calvin began getting involved with the movement. That yearCalvin had his salvation experience. He wrote about it later and stated, Godsubdued and brought my heart to surrender. It was more hardened against suchmatters than was to be expected in such a young man. Calvin then knew to fullfill his place with God he would have to turn away from the Roman Catholicchurch, so that is exactly what he did. His first attempt was November first that year. He gave a speech just likeMartin Luthers, attacking the church and demanding a reform. He figured thatif he spoke to the people and educated them on Protestantism then they would beready to make changes in the Roman Catholic church. It did not turn out his wayat all. This resulted in anti-Protestant protests all over Paris, forcing him toflee for his own safety. He roamed from place to place and then ended up inBasle, Switzerland. This is where he started his writing. You see John Calvinwas considered a quiet, timid natured man. The kind of man who would never fightin disputes. In his time there he really got to do the things he wanted toaccomplish out of life. These were to study and learn about God and his holyword. After this he went to Geneva after getting kicked out for his teachings hegot invited back to help turn the city around spiritually. He never held apolitical office in Geneva but he ruled with strictness and sin was punished. Hehad laws passed to promote Christian behaviour. Persecuted Protestants fled fromall over Europe to reside here. One last thing Calvin is known for is his theology. This is put together in aCalvinism. The ideas of the Calvin doctrine are men are completely unable tosave themselves with their own works. Salvation is a matter of Gods choosingthose who will be saved, and that God chooses without any consideration of amans good works. If someone is chosen of God, there was no way they couldever reject Christ or fail to endure to the end of their Christian life. Finally, he taught that Jesus died only for the people who God chose. This iscalled limited atonement and is one of Calvins most controversial doctrinesin Calvinism. As you can see John Calvin was truly a great man. Through his writings,speeches, and Calvinism he really reached his goal in life to learn about Godand his holy word. John Calvin devoted almost his whole life to the promoting ofProtestantism and made such a difference that his impact is still seen today inChristianity.