John Calvin | Mimi Bebe

John Calvin (1509-1564) was a pivotal French theologian and pastor whose theological system, Calvinism, profoundly shaped the Protestant Reformation. His seminal work, 'Institutes of the Christian Religion,' first published in 1536, systematically articulated doctrines such as predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the authority of Scripture. Calvin's influence extended beyond theology; he established a theocratic government in Geneva, Switzerland, which became a model for other Reformed communities. His ideas spurred the development of Presbyterianism, Congregationalism, and other Reformed churches, impacting religious, political, and economic thought across Europe and beyond. The legacy of Calvinism continues to be debated and interpreted by scholars and adherents worldwide.