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John Calvin, an eminent figure in the Protestant Reformation, was a French theologian, pastor, and reformer born on July 10, 1509, in Noyon, Picardy, France. Best known for his influential book 'Institutes of the Christian Religion,' Calvin articulated a rigorous system of theological thought known as Calvinism, which encompasses not only a study of God but also a powerful vision of the Christian life lived under God's sovereign grace. His works remain central to understanding Protestant theology and its developments. Another lesser-known yet impactful work is his 'An Admonition showing, the Advantages which Christendom might derive from an Inventory of Relics.' In this treatise, Calvin critiques the superstitious veneration of relics in the Catholic Church, arguing instead for the primacy of Scripture and faith in Christian practice. His literary style was marked by clarity, systematic thinking, and a profound depth of religious conviction. While Calvin's theology was controversial, it fostered the growth of a distinctive branch of Protestant Christianity, notably influencing the Reformed tradition. His work established Geneva as a hub of Protestant thought, sculpting the city into the so-called 'Protestant Rome.' Calvin passed away on May 27, 1564, but his legacy endures through his writings and the theological traditions that bear his name.
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