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I don't know what to say, Dr. E. The argument being used against Calvin is transparent.

I have no idea whether Calvin ever had a homosexual experience or not. It would make a difference to me only if he acted as the Bishops in the Church acted, moving pederasts around, caring so little for the welfare of the souls of those entrusted to them. And, as the Church acted, appointing and placing Cardinal Law at one of the greatest Cathedrals in Rome.

I guess I really didn't realize that Calvin was so despised. It is likely he is despised mainly because of his polemics against the Church, as they were very effective.

The people the Church sent to counter the polemics and his Institutes were not up to the task, one of them, in his attempt at refutation of Calvin's Institutes, those sections concerning The Knowledge of Humanity and Free Choice, and the Predestination and Providence of God, ended up getting one of his own works of refutation placed on the Catholic Church's list of banned books. This guy was educated at the Louvain. What could be more illustrative? Pardon me, if I'm relaying what you already know.

The Church saw Calvin, because of his Institutes, as so much more dangerous than Luther, and it wasn't because the Institutes were ineffective or of meager intellectual capacity or worth.

Jude24 had it about right with the Madison quote.

Jude only pinging you 'cause I mentioned you.

And, Dr. E., I intend to make myself more scarce around these here parts as things are becoming somewhat more hectic for me both at work, and with my family. I only relay that so you won't think me unresponsive if you ping me.

Finally, Dr. E., don't waste energy shadow boxing. It will sap you, and invigorate your opponent.

Blessings to you and all those you love.

The Church saw Calvin, because of his Institutes, as so much more dangerous than Luther, and it wasn't because the Institutes were ineffective or of meager intellectual capacity or worth.

Amen. And so true. Luther was the spark plug and Calvin was the gas that drove the Reformation.

And you're correct. The "Institutes" drives them nuts because every page denies their authority and their usurpation of God's glory while proclaiming the joy of Christ risen.

I'm waiting for the next assault on Calvin's character -- probably along the lines of "Calvin was a communist." Which is pretty funny considering Calvin's theology was the creative force behind the American Revolution.