Calvin’s Vision of Reform

John Calvin is frequently linked to Geneva, the town he saw as a cross and a burden he sought to avoid. The “Genevan Reformer” spent most of his adult life in the city, but was frequently at odds with the Small Council, as well as some of the other reforming pastors in Switzerland. But what was the character of Calvin’s reform? This paper will explore the differences available for analysis between Calvin’s abbreviated, early period in Geneva, and his extended stay when he returned. Of particular interest will be the differences between the Genevan Confession that was printed in 1537, and the Ecclesiastical Ordinances that were promulgated in 1541 on his return. These demonstrate that the mature Calvin aimed at a reformation of the church and city, in as thorough a fashion as was practical.