John Calvin: podcast appearances and interviews

John Calvin was a French theologian, pastor, and reformer active during the Protestant Reformation. He is recognized as the principal figure in the development of Calvinism, a system of Christian theology that emphasizes doctrines such as predestination and God's absolute sovereignty in salvation. Calvin's theological work was influenced by Augustinian and other Christian traditions; his writings include the seminal 'Institutes of the Christian Religion,' along with commentaries on most books of the Bible and various confessional documents. Originally trained as a humanist lawyer, Calvin broke from the Roman Catholic Church around 1530 and became involved in the reform movement. After fleeing to Basel, Switzerland, he published the first edition of his influential work in 1536. That same year, he was recruited by William Farel to participate in the Reformation in Geneva. Despite initial resistance and expulsion from the city, Calvin continued his reform efforts in Strasbourg and later returned to Geneva in 1541 to lead its church. During his leadership, he introduced new church government structures and liturgical practices amid opposition from local families. His tenure was marked by controversial actions, including the execution of Michael Servetus for heresy. Following political shifts and reformist support, Calvin's influence expanded, and he spent his final years advocating for the Reformation throughout Europe.