10 oct. 1536 - John Calvin

Description:

John Calvin was a very prominent figure during the Reformation. He believed in predestination, which stated that all humans are either damned or blessed from the moment of their birth. He was a Renaissance scholar that appreciated humanism.

In 1529, he underwent an intellectual conversion. He decided that there had to be an intellectual way to salvation. His conclusion was predestination; he believed God was all-powerful and knew everything about every person when they were born. People would be free to live their lives, but their fate was sealed from birth.

Calvinism was conscious of individuals, unlike Martin Luther's ideas. It made one seek and examine in the world around them. People attracted to Calvinism preferred order and discipline and were not superstitious. Wealthy people also liked it because being rich and indulgent was not condemned.

In the 17th century, Calvinists traveled to America. Today, they are called Presbyterians, and America is still a very Presbyterian nation.