John Calvin: The Statesman, Dylan Thomas, and the Protestant Ethic

John Calvin: The Statesman

by Dylan Thomas

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	832 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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John Calvin was a prominent French theologian, pastor, and reformer during the Protestant Reformation. His ideas had a profound impact on the development of Protestantism, and his writings continue to be influential today.

Calvin was born in Noyon, France, in 1509. He studied law at the University of Paris, but later turned to theology. In 1533, he experienced a religious conversion and became a Protestant. He fled France in 1534 due to persecution and settled in Geneva, Switzerland.

In Geneva, Calvin became a leader of the Protestant Reformation. He wrote the Institutes of the Christian Religion, which became a foundational text of Protestantism. He also helped to establish the Genevan Academy, which became a center of Protestant learning.

Calvin's theology emphasized the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the importance of faith in Jesus Christ. He believed that God had predestined some people to salvation and others to damnation. He also believed that Christians should live a life of piety and discipline.

Calvin's ideas had a significant impact on the development of Protestantism. He helped to shape the doctrines of many Protestant denominations, including the Presbyterian, Reformed, and Congregationalist churches.

Calvin's influence extended beyond theology. His ideas also had a significant impact on literature, art, and music. Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet who was influenced by Calvinism. Thomas's poetry often reflects the themes of Calvinist theology, such as the sovereignty of God, the depravity of humankind, and the importance of faith.

Here is an example of a poem by Dylan Thomas that reflects the influence of Calvinism:

Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

This poem reflects the Calvinist belief that humans are sinful and that they must struggle against the temptation to give in to despair. The poem also reflects the Calvinist belief that God is sovereign and that his will is ultimately good.

John Calvin was a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation. His ideas had a profound impact on the development of Protestantism, and his influence continues to be felt today. He was a great theologian, but he was also a great writer and thinker. His ideas continue to inspire and challenge people today.

John Calvin: The Statesman

by Dylan Thomas

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	832 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	119 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE