Oxford historical theologian and principal of the evangelical Wycliffe Hall, Alister McGrath, reviews The Early Reformation on the Continent by Owen Chadwick in the Times Literary Supplement (June 14). Noting that Calvin “attracted eulogy and vilification in equal measure,” McGrath writes: “Jerome Bolsec, with whom Calvin crossed swords in 1551, went on to publish a scurrilous (but highly entertaining) life of Calvin in 1577. His subject, according to Bolsec, was irredeemably tedious and malicious, bloodthirsty and frustrated. He treated his own words as if they were the word of God, and allowed himself to be worshipped by his followers. In addition to frequently engaging in homosexual activity, he had an undiscriminating habit of indulging himself sexually with any female within walking distance. Thus, according to Bolsec, Calvin resigned his benefices at Noyon on account of the public exposure of his homosexuality.” According to McGrath: “Bolsec’s biography makes much more interesting reading than the more deferential biographies of Theodore Beza [Calvin’s cohort who was, himself, accused of homosexuality] and Nicolas Colladon.”
Oh dearie me. Could it be true? I thought that the Bible proscribed homosexuality. If Calvin ignored that section of the Bible, could it be true that he ignored other sections?
It certainly would explain his hatred of the Catholic Church. Psychologically, he would have hated that which accused him.
It is kind of like my atheist brother who somehow has the misconception that you’re supposed to be perfect to be a Christian. The truth is that he has several behaviors that he is unwilling to change so he tries to convince himself that there is no God.