For March 8th, Harrison Taylor will be speaking on John Calvin. Harrison wrote his dissertation on Calvin so he is an authority. He presents a view of Calvin that is unlike the one preceived by most. Calvin was not exactly the man he has been made out to be in the popular press.
Here's Harrison's synopsis:
John Calvin-born 500 years ago - July 11, 1509 in Noyon, France. He was intended by his father [who was excommunicated from the Church] to be a priest---he studied at the University of Paris and other schools in the Classical tradition. Calvin converted to the Reforming movement-was forced out of Paris- and, while travelling, looking for a place to study quietly, was confronted by the Genevan reformer Wm. Farel, with a curse to stay. He began daily lectures [at 5AM] in Geneva on the Bible. His lectures used all the classical tools available. Farel and Calvin were told by the city Council to "preach the gospel of God and quit meddling in politics." Calvin replied "we serve a greater Master" and left for Strassbourg. In 1541 the citizens of Geneva asked Calvin to return. He walked back in September and sought to form a committee to write a church constitution resulting in a model of representative democracy. Calvin died in Geneva in 1564 leaving a legacy of eccumenical contacts, over 60 volumes of theological works and letters, and a grand educational system.
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