Following Luther’s Reformation, Calvin developed his own theology in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Catholic Church attempted self-reform at the Council of Trent and promoted overseas missionary work through the Jesuits.
Calvin’s Doctrine of Predestination
- John Calvin (born in France, active in Geneva)
- Predestination: The doctrine that God has predetermined who will be saved
- Diligent labor and wealth accumulation were affirmed as being “for the glory of God” → the spiritual foundation of capitalism (as pointed out by Max Weber)
- Calvinism (the Reformed tradition): It spread to Scotland (the Puritans), the Netherlands, and France (the Huguenots).
The Counter-Reformation (Catholic Reform)
The Catholic Church carried out internal reforms in response to the spread of Protestantism.
・Council of Trent (1545–1563): It reconfirmed Catholic doctrines such as the supremacy of the pope and the seven sacraments.
・Society of Jesus (Jesuits): Founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola. It opposed Protestantism through strict discipline, education, and missionary activities. Francis Xavier’s arrival in Japan (1549) was also part of these activities.
The Catholic Church carried out internal reforms in response to the spread of Protestantism.
・Council of Trent (1545–1563): It reconfirmed Catholic doctrines such as the supremacy of the pope and the seven sacraments.
・Society of Jesus (Jesuits): Founded in 1534 by Ignatius of Loyola. It opposed Protestantism through strict discipline, education, and missionary activities. Francis Xavier’s arrival in Japan (1549) was also part of these activities.
The Wars of Religion and the Treaty of Westphalia
After the Reformation, wars using religion as a pretext occurred frequently in Europe. The most serious was the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). The war between Protestants and Catholics within the Holy Roman Empire expanded into an international war. It ended with the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), which confirmed the sovereignty of each country and freedom of religion.
Practice
- Explain the doctrine known as Calvin’s “predestination.”
- Give the name of the person who founded the Society of Jesus.
- Give the name of the treaty that ended the Thirty Years’ War and explain its historical significance.