John Calvin

John Calvin (July 10, 1509 – May 27, 1564) was a prominent Christian theologian during the Protestant Reformation and is the namesake of the system of Christian theology called Calvinism. He was born Jean Chauvin (or Cauvin) in Noyon, Picardie, France, and French was his mother tongue; Calvin derives from the Latin version of his name, Calvinus. Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in 1517, when Calvin was 8 years old.

The spreading of Calvinism

[[image:John Calvin - best likeness.jpg|right|thumb|Engaved from the original oil painting in the University

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Library of Geneva, this is considered Calvin's best likeness.]]

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As much as Calvin's practice in Geneva, his publications spread his ideas of a correctly reformed church to many parts of Europe. Calvinism became the theological system of the majority in Scotland, the Netherlands, and parts of Germany and was influential in France, Hungary (especially in Transylvania) and Poland.

Related Topics:
Calvinism - Scotland - Netherlands - Germany - France - Hungary - Transylvania - Poland

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Most settlers in the American Mid-Atlantic and New England were Calvinists, including the Puritans and Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam (New York). Dutch Calvinist settlers were also the first successful European colonizers of South Africa, beginning in the 17th century, who became known as Boers or Afrikaners.

Related Topics:
American - New England - Puritan - South Africa - 17th century - Boer - Afrikaners

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Sierra Leone was largely colonised by Calvinist settlers from Nova Scotia, who were largely Black Loyalists, African Americans who had fought for the British during the American War of Independence. John Marrant had organised a congregation there under the auspices of the Huntingdon Connection.

Related Topics:
Sierra Leone - Nova Scotia - Black Loyalists - African Americans - British - American War of Independence - John Marrant - Huntingdon Connection

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Some of the largest Calvinist communions were started by 19th and 20th century missionaries; especially large are those in Korea and Nigeria.

Related Topics:
19th - 20th century - Missionaries - Korea - Nigeria

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