Reformation Heritage Books

John Calvin begins these sermons by asserting God's authority in all matters of belief and practice...The reformer's expositions are rooted in the principles of headship stated by Paul in 1 Cor. 11:3...Within the divine order, men are appointed to rule over women...The reformer also explains the apostle's remarks on head coverings. He also applies the general themes of the text as they relate to our duties in the church and society. Calvin reminds his readers that "it is an offense against God when people do not practice what He has appointed in this world."

Author   John Calvin (1509-1564) One of the most influential reformers, his work was of significance throughout Europe and beyond. John Calvin was born in Noyon, France on July 10, 1509. His father was the secretary and attorney for the bishopric of Noyon. Calvin was a brilliant scholar and studied law in Paris, Orleans and Bourges. After what he called a "sudden conversion" at the age of 23, Calvin became a fervent Christian and scholar of the Scripture. Calvin did not immediately break with the Roman Catholic Church, but rather worked toward its reform. His pleas for reform soon brought upon him the hatred of the Catholic Church, and in time he was banished from Paris.Calvin fled to Switzerland, broke with the Catholic Church, and joined with the reformers. In 1536 he published his famous Institutes of the Christian Religion, which was a systematic presentation of the Protestant position. In 1559 he founded what later became the University of Geneva. Here he taught his beliefs to thousands of students who in turn carried "Calvinism" back to their homelands throughout Europe. John Calvin died in Geneva, Switzerland on May 27, 1564.