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Article: Calvin, John
- Article from:
- UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography
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John Calvin
Born: July 10, 1509
Noyon, Picardy, France
Died: May 27, 1564
Geneva, Switzerland
French religious leader and reformer
The French religious reformer John Calvin created a strict version of Protestantism, which originally arose in opposition to the Catholic Church. He is known for his belief in predestination (meaning God has already chosen who will and will not be saved) and his view of the state as enforcer of church laws.
Early life
John Calvin was born at Noyon in Picardy, France, on July 10, 1509. He was the second son of G
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rard Cauvin, who was secretary to the bishop of Noyon. It was decided early in his life that Calvin would serve the Catholic Church, and at the ...