Open AccessDiscipline and Ignorance in Calvin’s Geneva
Author(s) -
Scott M. Manetsch
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
unio cum christo
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2473-8476
pISSN - 2380-5412
DOI - 10.35285/ucc3.2.2017.art6
Subject(s) - ignorance , extant taxon , morality , discipline , protestantism , institution , seriousness , sociology , religious studies , social science , environmental ethics , law , political science , philosophy , biology , evolutionary biology
Founded by John Calvin in 1542, the Genevan consistory was a disciplinary court made up of pastors and lay elders that oversaw public morality and enforced right belief in the city church. Although scholars of early modern Europe have explored in detail the various functions of this religious institution, inadequate attention has been paid to its important pedagogical role. This essay explores the various strategies that Calvin’s consistory employed to correct religious ignorance and inculcate Protestant belief among the city inhabitants. Based on quantitative analysis of extant Genevan disciplinary records from 1542 to 1609, it will be argued that Calvin’s consistory was largely successful in reshaping Geneva’s religious culture and imparting a deeper understanding of reformed Christianity to many children and adults.