Noyon is a city on the
River Oise. One stormy day John Calvin and his brother Charles go down to the
river searching for their grandfather. The river is rough & wild and they
would love to take the dingy out on the river. “Grandpa, may we go sailing? The
waves are really good today, yells John, the younger of the two. “ Grandpa
says, “No John, the water is too turbulent. If a wave crashes onto the dingy
you will drown.” John however convinces his
brother to go in the dingy, forgetting grandpa’s warning, resulting in John being
tossed into the water, fighting for his life.
John was a stubborn
lad yet a brilliant scholar. His family wanted him to study. He excelled in
school and with tutors. At the age of 12, through his father’s request John
became a curate – and assistant to the priest. He was thus able to continue his
studies because he received a wage.
In the meantime his
father was deeply concerned about the actions of the clergy. They are arguing
about trivial matters rather than discussing spiritual matters. When John finished his studies he shows his
father his college degree. Instead of being happy that John can now be a priest,
as both father & mother desired, he states that he will not become a
priest. He does not want him to be involved in the petty discussions. Instead
he wants him to study law.
And John? He is a deep
thinker. During his studies he had come into contact with the writings of
Lefevre d’Etaples who opposed some of the practices of the church of the time.
He had written commentaries and translated the bible into the common language
so the common folk could read the scriptures. Being persecuted he had to flee.
Groups of people amongst whom was William Farel, were coming together to read
the bible. Farel too had to flee. John
abhors conflict in the church. His father warns him. ”Listen John. The church
is all-powerful. She crushes all who rise up against her.”
After his father dies
John studies law in Orleans
where he meets a follower of Martin Luther who recognizes Johns potential and encourages
John to study theology. Thus he goes to Paris.
While studying he comes to realize that
a reformation is necessary for the church. He becomes a target of the
Inquisition- the monster with a thousand arms. Wherever he goes he is not safe
for long. So he and a friend flee to the Queen of Navarre and on to Geneva. Here William Farel
convinces him to stay.
So John Calvin’s life
long battle for the truth begins. For Calvin the most important thing was God’s
glory. He said “ a church which does not give God the glory is not the true church”
A very interesting and
readable account of the reformer’s life. Highly recommended.
Review by GJ. de Vos
