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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Index

1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Modern Age in the History of Europe
1.2 Renaissance in Italy 1.3 The Geographical Explorations of the 15th and the 16th centuries
1.4 The Tudor Dynasty
1.5 Henry VII - the Founder of the Tudor Dynasty
1.6 Henry VIII (1509-1547)
1.7 The Reign of Edward VI (1547-1553)
1.8 Mary Tudor (1553-1558)
1.9 Elizabeth I (1558-1603)
1.10 Reformation in Europe
1.11 Reformation in Germany : Efforts of Martin Luther
1.12 The Official Instatement of Protestantism
1.13 Calvinism
1.14 Reformation in England
1.15 Counter Reformation
1.16 Legacy of the Reformation
1.17 Points to Remember

Chapter 2