Calvinism and The State By Mathew Gorecki
John Calvin Born in Noyon, France 10 July 1509 – 27 May 1564 Theologian, Pastor, Author “Institutes of The Christian Religion”
What is Calvinism? Major Branch of Protestantism Total Depravity Unconditional Election Limited Atonement Irresistible Grace Perseverance of the Saints
Calvinism affecting the State Free election for magistrates and leaders of the Church State was ruled by magistrates and partially the Church
Free Election Election of Church Election of Ruler/Magistrates People have influence on who rules them Switch from monarchy to governments of the people Magistrates elected are more likely to rule justly Ruler could be removed by magistrates if needed
The State & The Church Church and State had similar interests State can influence, but not control, Church related matters and vice versa Church was a non-state governance “Religio vincula societatis” State was used for social and educational reform Promoted “reason and rationalism” State created institutions modeled off of Church institutions
Case Study: Huguenots Henry IV of France French Wars of Religion Edict of Nantes Toleration of Protestant Faith
Case Study: Dutch Republic William of Orange Dutch Revolt Union of Utrecht, Republic of the Seven United Provinces Granted asylum to persecuted religious minorities Golden Age of Dutch Republic
Work Cited Gorski, Philip S. The Disciplinary Revolution: Calvinism and the Rise of the State in Early Modern Europe. Chicago: U of Chicago, Print. "Huguenot". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.Encyclopædia Britannica Inc., Web. 03 Nov Kuyper, Abraham. Lectures on Calvinism. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, Print. Gelderen, Martin Van. The Dutch Revolt. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, Print.