Calvin- Was a pastor first of all, all the theological work was written for the church, not the academy. Simony (buying positions in the church), pluralism both problems in the church. Born in Noyon, (to Gerard and Joan) [Erasmus, Seneca, terence, virgil, homer] Penned in 1536, the first draft of the Institutes. the reformation requiring the reform of “letters”. Breaks down the clergy-laity distinction by retaining the deaconship.
The Reformed Church
Goes to U. of Paris at 14, studies law at 19, and pens Institutes by 27. Geneva excited about getting the Roman Catholics out of there, but not too enthusiastic about the reform initiatives of John Calvin: government hires him to be the reader of scripture. Calvin is eventually driven out to where he becomes a pastor in Strausburg for about 3 years.
Church discipline, restrictions, rebuke (which was not present with Luther) order, regulation, morals, holy life very big for Calvin.
Worship
The Word becomes the central part of service, things that build up to the preaching of the Word; Calvin changes the liturgy much more than Luther. What you do is that you sing and pray before the Word of God, you read the particular section of the Bible and then you have thanksgiving after that. The pastor would forgive sins on behalf of the congregation, public prayers, for congregations and leaders, reflecting on the Lord’s prayer, singing psalm and dismissal.
faith emphasized, more specifically, the faith of the recipient.
Eucharist: deeply connected to where Christ is in heaven.
Community
Really wishes to establish the Pastor’s ability to excommunicate. The church was the community, so the townspeople would want to be there.
Mission/Witness
The church is the avenue for those outside of faith to come into faith. In practice, the church is the way for people to know about God. [modality- the preached word]
holy calling (the idea of vocation) as not restricted to the “sacred” but assigned to the “secular.” [initiation of the protestant work ethic]
Consistory
Holiness accountability group
Excommunication had a way back.
Mission in Christendom are usually within the empire.
Leadership and Organization
Pastor is the core of the community; advocacy of elders, team of elders upon whom the administrative duties fell upon. All pastors were teachers, not all teachers were pastors. Elders were more governing, deacons were more serving.
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