Protestant ReformationAnother Protestant Faith

Calvinism

Prior to the Reformation, almost everyone in Western Europe was Roman Catholic – dominant religion in the Middle Ages

Many people criticized Catholic Church corruption (Wycliffe, Huss, Erasmus)

Protestant Reformation

In 1517, after Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis and Diet of Worms, first protestant faith began (Lutheranism)

1534, King Henry VIII created the Anglicism (Church of England)

John Calvin was born in France and became a Protestant (someone who protested against the Catholic Church) but left for Switzerland because of oppression in France

In 1536, he started a new protestant faith called Calvinism

Calvinism

Predestination – God determined who those that were going to heaven and hell before people are born

Those going to heaven called “The Elect” were chosen by God would be saved and avoid all sin

“The Elect” should rule society as government leaders-Theocracy

Basic Ideas of Calvinism

Overthrow government leaders (like kings) who prove not to be “elect” (if they committed sin)

Church rules are also laws; committing a sin is breaking the law and is punishable by a court

Calvinist lived by a strict code to avoid sin (called Protestant Work Ethic) Can not dance, sing, or play cards, gamble, swear,

go to the theater, drink alcohol, wear jewelry, or wear bright clothing

Go to church 5 times a week and in bed by 9:00 Children could only have Christian names Homes inspected once a year Punishment by breaking rules, prison,

excommunication, exile, or death

Calvinist believed that hard work and obeying the code would show they were “elect” and were going to heaven

Calvinism established theocratic community in Geneva, Switzerland with 20,000 citizens

Geneva became successful model for the Calvinist communities

Scottish preacher who visited Geneva. He put Calvinist idea into place in Scotland in 1559

Communities were led by presbyters, so followers of Knox became known as Presbyterians

1567, Knox and Presbyterians overthrew Catholic Queen and established Calvinism as official religion of Scotland

John Knox