Jean Calvin and More Reformation

Another reformer who came slightly after Luther was Jean Calvin (John Calvin). Though he would later settle in and be associated with the city of Geneva, Switzerland, Calvin was born in the Picardy region of France and spent some formative years in Strasbourg, France. At 12 he received the sign of the tonsure (a particular “monk” like cutting of the hair to symbolize his dedication to the Church) and was employed as a clerk for the bishop. He would later be enrolled at Collège de Montaigu to study philosophy. He was taken from that school and enrolled in law school as it was thought he could earn a better living as a lawyer than as a priest.

St. Nicholas Church, Strasbourg

During his days in Strasbourg, Calvin was associated with Saint Nicholas Church. Here he preached or lectured everyday and twice on Sundays!

Personally I struggle with Calvin. It is my understanding from my studies that Calvin did not want anything to happen in the church that was not in the bible and this included music. He thought the only musical book the church should use was the “music” found in the book of Psalms. Further these hymns from the bible were to only be sung with the voice as the only instrument proper for church music. I also remember hearing that he was known to have torn out beautiful and elaborate church organs from cathedrals so that only voices could be used in worship. I don’t know if that is true or not – but I’m looking forward to what our tour guide will tell us when we are there!