| 1.13 Calvinism
In 1541, Jean Calvin (1509-64), a fugitive Frenchman founded this branch of Protestantism in Geneva. He rose as the leader of Swiss Protestantism when its leader, Zwingli died. He became a popular leader and chief preacher of the city and organized a theocratic government in Geneva. He made Geneva a center of Protestant propaganda. He translated the Bible into French and wrote theological treatises. He published "The Institute of Christian Religion," an influential Protestant document. He also founded a Protestant School at the University of Geneva.
Luther did not oppose those Church practices that did not have
direct basis in the Scriptures (i.e. the Bible). Calvin, however,
stressed that anything not expressly authorized by scriptures should
not be practiced. Calvin set the example of stern simplicity and
relentless activity. For this he was nicknamed the ‘Protestant Pope.’
He was responsible for the spread of Calvinism to other countries
as well. The Calvinists also created a free Dutch Republic, the
Netherlands and veered Scotland towards Calvinism.
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