Calvin's City of God

Outline:

A.  The Irish Question under Elizabeth

B.  Pre-Calvin Geneva

C.  Calvin sets up a theocracy in Geneva

D.  Calvinism spreads to Heidelberg, France and the Low Countries

E.  Calvinism comes to England and Scotland

F.  Calvin’s theology:  the omnipotence of God.  The Elect through overwhelming Grace.

G.  Calvin’s ecclesial structure as a community of saints

Questions to Consider:

1.  Describe the atmosphere of Geneva before Calvin.  How did this set up the city for a Protestant overthrow?

2.  What were the tasks of Calvin’s four orders:  Pastors, Doctors, Elders and Deacons.

3.  How did Calvinism make its way to Heidelberg and from there to elements in England?

4.  Describe the differences in ecclesiology of Catholics and Calvinists.

Bibliography:

Owen Chadwick.  THE REFORMATION.  London:  Penguin Books.  1972.

Harold J. Grimm.  THE RFEFORMATION ERA:  1500 – 1650.  London:  Macmillan Company.  1969.

Eugene F. Rice, Jr.  THE FOUNDATIONS OF EARLY MODERN EUROPE, 1460 – 1559.  New York:  W. W. Norton.  1970.