Calvin Forms a Protestant Theocracy
John Calvin established a Protestant theocracy in Geneva based on his doctrine of predestination, the belief that God predetermined who would be saved, as taught in Grade 7 California myWorld Interactive Chapter 8: The Renaissance and Reformation. Calvin strict religious society became a model for many Protestants across Europe after Luther ideas sparked new religious movements challenging the Catholic Church. This topic helps 7th grade students understand the diversity of Protestant Reformation movements.
Key Concepts
Martin Luther's ideas spread quickly beyond Germany. This movement inspired other religious thinkers to challenge the Catholic Church, leading to new Protestant groups.
One of the most influential new leaders was John Calvin . He taught the idea of predestination , the belief that God decided long ago who would gain salvation.
Common Questions
Who was John Calvin?
John Calvin was a Protestant religious leader who developed the doctrine of predestination and established a theocracy in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming one of the most influential figures of the Protestant Reformation.
What is predestination?
Predestination is John Calvin theological belief that God decided long ago who would receive salvation, meaning a person fate in the afterlife was determined before birth.
What is a theocracy?
A theocracy is a government run by religious leaders according to religious law. Calvin established a theocracy in Geneva where the church governed society according to strict religious rules.
What does Grade 7 history teach about Calvinism?
California myWorld Interactive Grade 7, Chapter 8: The Renaissance and Reformation covers how John Calvin developed predestination theology and established a Protestant theocracy in Geneva.
How did Calvinism differ from Lutheranism?
While both Calvin and Luther challenged the Catholic Church, Calvin developed the unique doctrine of predestination and went further by establishing a strict theocratic government in Geneva as a model Protestant society.