France’s Bearded Revolutionary

I. Introduction--Stereotypes of John Calvin

II. Calvin--Significance and early life

III. Exile

IV. Execution

V. Calvin and Geneva

Calvin--Theologian of Damnation

Calvin--The Stern Autocrat

Calvin--Orwellian Big Brother

Conversion of Paul--Hans Baldung Grien

Contrast between Luther and Calvin

Luther: From anthropology to theology

Calvin: From theology to anthropology

Henry II of France

France’s Bearded Revolutionary

I. Introduction--Stereotypes of John Calvin

II. Calvin--Significance and early life

III. Exile

IV. Execution

V. Calvin and Geneva

Calvin’s Church in Geneva

Four important church offices

1. Pastors: Preach gospel, administer sacraments

2. Teachers/doctors--Christian education

3. Deacons--laymen responsible for the poor and widows

4. Elders--12 laymen helping pastor maintain church discipline

Optional Short Paper

You are a priest who has just read an important treatise on the reform of the Church from either Luther or Calvin. Write your bishop a letter that summarizes the main points of this new revolutionary message. In what ways does this Reformation text challenge the traditional authority of the church?