John Calvin

John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509, as Jean Cauvin in Nyon, Picardy, in France. As the son of an episcopal notary, he received the benefit of a good education. Calvin studied law and obtained his doctorate in 1533. After he avowed himself to the Reformation cause, he was forced to flee France, and in 1535 began a theology degree in Basle. A year later he produced his magnum opus, "Institutes of the Christian Religion", in which he set out his Protestant beliefs.

In 1539, Calvin was called to Geneva to implement reforms there. At first, his changes based on rigorous church discipline were too radical for the city's people. The town council took until 1541 to approve Calvin's new regulations, which laid down strict rules on how to behave in church and waged a resolute battle against moral decline - even dancing was forbidden. His reforms were fiercely contested and had to be enforced through extreme measures such as exile and executions. Calvin himself was a man of words. He delivered innumerable sermons, Bible seminars and lectures, and wrote theological treatises, Bible commentaries and orders of service. He also supported poor relief and defended Protestants who were persecuted in France.

In 1540, Calvin married Idelette de Bure, who died young, just like their only son.

Calvin himself died on May, 27 1564, in Geneva. Alongside Martin Luther, he was the most influential European reformer of the 16th century. Calvinism, a term that was used to describe his principles and reforms even during his lifetime, is still one of the most widespread branches of the Protestant faith.