John Calvin
Also called: Jean Calvin · Topic: Renaissance, Reformation and the Scientific Revolution · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Changing Cultural Traditions"
Meaning
Jean (John) Calvin (1509–64) was a French-born Protestant reformer who worked in Switzerland. After Ulrich Zwingli (1484–1531), he spread Martin Luther's ideas there, making the city of Geneva his base. Like other reformers, he was backed by merchants, so his ideas spread mostly in towns. Country areas largely stayed Catholic. He is one of the main figures of the Protestant Reformation.
Example
In the 16th century, churches in Germany and Switzerland broke away from the Pope. In Switzerland the break was led first by Zwingli and later by Calvin from Geneva.
Don't confuse with
- Ulrich Zwingli: Both were reformers in Switzerland. Zwingli came first and died in 1531. Calvin carried the movement forward after him.
- Martin Luther: Luther started the Reformation in Germany in 1517. Calvin spread reformed ideas later, from Switzerland.
Related concepts
- Christian humanism
- Thomas More
- Erasmus
- Indulgences
- Donation of Constantine
- Martin Luther
- Ninety-Five Theses
- Protestant Reformation
- English Reformation
- Anglican Church