LEC 709

John Calvin

 

Key Characteristics/Components Related to Theorist

• Theory of Value: Calvin's knowledge is divided into two parts. These parts are the knowledge of God and the knowledge of self. 

• Theory of Knowledge: Knowledge comes from God according to Calvin. Calvin believes that there is no distinction between knowledge and belief. You must have both components in order to draw closer to God. His beliefs are centered on the idea that "truth in self-knowledge and knowledge of God comes only through the belief in God." 

• Theory of Human Nature: Calvin sees man as sinful and fallen creatures. Man is created by God. Man's forgiveness comes through the martydom and ressurection of Christ. Calvinism views this as Christ's sacrifice for all. 

• Theory of Learning: The educational training of Calvin was based on humanism. He focused his training on liberal arts. He felt that it was important for people to not "leave the church as a desert for our children." Therefore, children should be properly prepared for their futures.

• Theory of Transmission: Calvin separated the church into four offices. These offices were the pastor, doctor/teacher, presbyter/elder, and deacon. The main focus of the church in his eyes was to be educational.

• Theory of Society: Calvin focused society on the sovereignty of God. In his eyes, God was to be the president and judge for all church orders. Calvin felt that God should be the opportunity for good government and to help people. 

• Theory of Opportunity: Calvin implemented education into the government. His pledge was to focus on schools in which all students could attend regardless of their social status. Private donations were provided in order to build the school and provide oppotunities. 

• Theory of Consensus: Calvin exchanged his ideas with other reformers that supported similar ideas of scripture. Calvin could not build consensus with those outside of his faith.