Jean Calvin
Definition
Jean Calvin was a French theologian during the Protestant Reformation who developed Calvinism, emphasizing predestination and God's absolute sovereignty.
Analogy
Picture Jean Calvin as an author writing a book where he already knows how every character’s story will end (predestination). The characters have no control over their fate; everything is determined by him (God's absolute sovereignty).
Related terms
Calvinism: A major branch of Protestantism following Jean Calvin's theological doctrine, which emphasizes predestination and God's sovereignty. It’s like following specific instructions from your GPS without any detours or changes - everything is predetermined.
Predestination: The belief that God has already decided who will achieve salvation and who won't before birth. It’s akin to being sorted into a team before you even start playing the game.
Theocracy: A form of government where God or a deity is recognized as the supreme ruler, often implemented in Calvinist Geneva. It's like having your school run by the principal who believes he has divine authority and makes all decisions based on religious laws.
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Additional resources (1)
Practice Questions (2)
- How might Jean Calvin's theological background limit the usefulness of "Institutes of Christian Religion" as a comprehensive guide to Christianity?
- What could happen if Jean Calvin hadn't influenced Geneva but chose another city for his reforms?
Resources
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