THE PROCESS OF CONFESSIONALIZATION AND DISCIPLINING IN GENEVA AT THE TIME OF JOHN CALVIN: AN ANALYSIS OF ECCLESIASTICAL ORDINANCES AND CONSISTORIAL ACTION (1541-1564)

Abstract

Based on a critical approach to the “theory of confessionalization” and its importance for understanding the religious reforms of the 16th century, this article analyzes the process of confessionalization and disciplining carried out in Geneva at the time when John Calvin was at the head of the city as a pastor and reformer. To this end, the text presents and discusses Calvino’s work with the city and its council, pointing out the tensions, negotiations, and phases experienced by the reformer to carry out his reformist project. Finally, the article examines Ecclesiastical Ordinances and their implications as consistorial action. That text was responsible for regulating the church of Geneva and implementing the consistory. Both the Ordinances and the consistorial action evidence the disciplinary confessional process that marked the first modernity, as well as the Genevan reform.

Keywords confessionalization processes; John Calvin; consistory; Modern Era; religious reforms