The social thinking of John Calvin

Abstract

Calvin’s social thought is to be understood within the context of the long tradition of Christian social teaching and also, specifically, in relation to the social teachings of other Protestant Reformers. Within this understanding, there are many points of convergence and continuity between his social thinking and the teaching of the Church in its different traditions. It may rightfully be argued that whatever differences may appear to exist between the two trajectories (that is, his own social teaching and that of the Church in general), they amount mostly to adjustments, re-channeling and different points of emphasis. This conclusion will become evident as various aspects of his social teaching are considered below.