Servetus was convicted of heresy and sentenced to death by the authorities at Rome. In my opinion this, in no way, excuses the authorities at Geneva. However, they had not yet distanced themselves from Rome.
Did Calvin Have Servetus Burned At The Stake?
There is one event which stands out in our minds concerning Calvin's leadership in the Genevan church, however, which deserves closer consideration: On October25, 1553, the city council issued the decree that Michael Servetus be burned at the stake for heresy.
Did Calvin "have Servetus burned at the stake," as is the popular impression? The answer, clearly, is no! First, Calvin had corresponded with Servetus and there is some evidence to suggest that he had even tried to clandestinely meet with the anti-Trinitarian in order to try to convince him of his error. After escaping certain execution from Roman Catholic authorities in France and Vienna, Servetus arrived in Geneva and made himself known to Calvin in public. Servetus was arrested and, although Calvin was both a theologian and trained lawyer who had been employed by the city council to draft legislation concerning social welfare, city planning, sanitation, and the like, he was not the prosecuting attorney. Remember, he did not even have the rights of a common citizen!
Second, Calvin was at the height of his battles with the city council at this time. Had he, in fact, urged the execution of Servetus, that might have been just the thing to have saved the victim's life! When Servetus was given the option of facing trial in Vienna or Geneva, Servetus chose Geneva. For some reason, he must have thought his chances of survival were better in Geneva. However, the council, led by the anti-Calvin faction at this time, was determined to demonstrate that Geneva could be trusted as a reformed city committed to upholding the creeds and Servetus was sentenced to death by burning. Calvin pleaded with the council to execute Servetus in a more humane manner than the traditional ritual burning for heretics. But, of course, the city council refused Calvin's plea. Farel visited Calvin during the execution and was, reportedly, so disturbed that he left without even saying farewell.
During this same period, by the way, thirty-nine heretics were burned in Paris, the Inquisition was being enforced in Spain and Italy, and other parts of Europe. In spite of the fact that many sought refuge in Geneva who were less than orthodox, fleeing Catholic authorities, Servetus was the only heretic burned there during Calvin's distinguished career.
Did Calvin Have Servetus Burned At The Stake?
Who cares about Rome? What about the Vatican? They were still in communion with them?
Inquiring minds want to know
;-)
I hope that sentence of death will at least be passed on him; but I desired that the severity of the punishment be mitigated. "Calvin to William Farel, August 20, 1553, Bonnet, Jules (1820–1892) Letters of John Calvin, Carlisle, Penn: Banner of Truth Trust, 1980, pp. 158–159. ISBN 0-85151-323-9." Wikipedia entry on Michael Servetus
BRING OUT... THE COMFY CHAIR!
So it was "kill him, but do it gently"? Oh, well that's alright then, that changes everything.
During this same period, by the way, thirty-nine heretics were burned in Paris, the Inquisition was being enforced in Spain and Italy, and other parts of Europe. In spite of the fact that many sought refuge in Geneva who were less than orthodox, fleeing Catholic authorities, Servetus was the only heretic burned there during Calvin's distinguished career.
Indeed. Geneva was a haven for religious refugees. Calvin was the champion for the middle class. Just as the 17th century elites worked to destroy the merchant class, so, too, does today's elitist pseudo-intelligentsia hope to obliterate the hard-working, Judeo-Christian middle class.