John Calvin
1509–1564 · Reformer of Geneva
Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.
Life
A French lawyer converted in his twenties, pressed into ministry in Geneva by Farel, and there for most of his life.
Why it matters
The Institutes are the classic systematic statement of Reformed theology; his commentaries cover most of the Bible; Geneva trained pastors for France, Scotland and the Netherlands.
Works
- Institutes of the Christian Religion (1536–1559)
- Commentaries
- Geneva Catechism
- Treatise on Relics