I believe Christianity would be better off without John Calvin’s influence. In this brief paper, I will outline key reasons why I think Calvin harmed the Christian faith, focusing on his theology, especially the five points of Reformed Theology known as “TULIP.” Throughout Church History, there are figures who evoke strong reactions; Calvin is one of them, with people either admiring or disliking him. I believe Calvin had genuine faith in Jesus Christ and went to heaven upon his death on May 27, 1564.
While Calvin had a compassionate side, he also had a dark aspect. During the latter days of the Genevan theocracy, he enforced a strict regime where dissent against him was not tolerated. His treatment of the Unitarian Michael Servetus is infamous; Calvin advocated for a merciful execution—beheading over burning—reflecting his harsh stance on heresy. It’s important to note that judging him by modern standards is unfair, as heresy was a capital offence in his time. Martin Luther and other reformers thought Calvin went too far; ironically, Luther also persecuted Anabaptists at times and shared anti-Semitic views, some of which were later cited by Hitler.
Calvin is primarily known for his work, Institutes of the Christian Religion. I have extensively read this text, having once held strong Presbyterian beliefs. My immersion in Calvin’s writings shaped my Calvinistic perspective. While the “Institutes” is well-articulated, I find it presents a narrow and negative view of humanity, leaning more on philosophy than Scripture. Calvin emphasizes God’s sovereignty but downplays human free will and largely focuses on divine wrath, with minimal discussion of God’s love and mercy.
Calvin stirs strong emotions; his followers may perceive disagreements as personal attacks. He was intolerant of dissent, as were his admirers. Is Calvin a hero or a villain? There’s substantial evidence on both sides, but I do not resonate with his views, particularly the TULIP points. Nonetheless, Calvin produced valuable insights, and one can acknowledge his contributions without being a fan. While he made mistakes, I believe his overall influence on Christianity was more harmful than beneficial.
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