Explain the successes of Calvin in Geneva

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Explain the successes of Calvin in Geneva

Calvin’s successes in Geneva were due to several key reasons, the first being the unique, coherent belief system he develops, allowing Calvinism to succeed not just in Geneva, but all over Europe. Secondly, Calvin establishes a heavily structured hierarchy in of individuals with different responsibilities in Geneva, resulting in the education of the people of Geneva (with an emphasis on Calvinism) but also their strict discipline, which both play an important role in Calvin’s doctrine. There are also other external factors that contribute to Calvin’s successes, particularly the support he receives from the Genevan, giving him the ability to eliminate his opposition, as he did with Servetus, and the Libertines. Above all, one of the main reasons of Calvin’s success is that his own strong belief in his duty towards Genevans, and Protestants generally – he returns to Geneva, despite knowing he would have no official authority, and despite having been treated terribly the first time, with many opposing his attempts at discipline.

Calvin’s coherent belief system plays an important role in not only his success in Geneva and this is mainly due to his ‘Institutes of Christian Religion’ which turns out to be a huge best seller. The significance of his ‘Institutes’ is that it had been the first time any one had ever systemically explained the Protestant doctrine - whilst Luther had published several books,  Calvin’s was more developed and provided a commentary on the Bible, including scriptural evidence to back up his views, something which Luther lacked. In addition to this, Calvin’s ‘Institutes’ was updated as he developed his own beliefs, in fact  the original, when published in 1536, contained 6 chapters, whilst his edition in 1559 contained 80 – the main reason for this being that he tries to justify everyone of his doctrines. In his ‘Institutes” Calvin included his beliefs on issues such as sole fide (revealing his Lutheran influence) , double predestination,  marriage, education, singing in public worship and the Lord’s Supper. Calvin published his ‘Institutes’ at a turbulent time in Geneva, when there was no coherence, and so-called “reformers” spent their time preaching and smashing up Churches.  It is for these reasons that Calvin was called to Geneva by Farel, who hoped  Calvin, could provide discipline, and although he failed the first time around, the fact that he was called there once more  in 1541 proves that the city’s leaders believed his strict, structured, but coherent methods could provide peace, stability, and most importantly success in Geneva.

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One of the other essential factors contributing towards Calvin’s success in Geneva was the structure of the Church which he developed. Calvin starts this by publishing his Ecclesiastical Ordinances in 1541; he planned to establish a clear hierarchy of individuals who had a mixture of social and theological duties. There were to Pastors, who would be mainly responsible for preaching, teaching, reproving (whether it be privately or publically) and most importantly administering fraternal warning to those who went against Calvin’s beliefs; Elders who were responsible for setting a good example, behaving as good Calvinists, supervising the citizens, ensuring they behaved ...

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