Calvin and the Genevan Reformation
- Year
- 1536
- Kind
- Tradition
What it was
Calvin arrived in Geneva in 1536, was expelled in 1538 and returned in 1541, when he organized the church with pastors, doctors, elders and deacons. From Geneva his theology spread to France, the Netherlands, the Palatinate, Scotland and Hungary, shaping the Reformed tradition.
Little known
Calvin wanted the Lord’s Supper every Sunday, but the Geneva council allowed it only four times a year; he called this a defect and put his objection in writing.
Key figures
- John Calvin1509–1564
- William Farel1489–1565
- Theodore Beza1519–1605
Key documents
- Institutes of the Christian Religion (1st ed. 1536; final ed. 1559)1536
- Genevan Ecclesiastical Ordinances1541
- Gallican (French) Confession1559
- Belgic Confession1561
- Heidelberg Catechism1563
- Canons of Dort1619