Institution of the Christian religion

The Institution of the Christian religion is a treaty of Théologie writes by Jean Calvin. At the beginning of the treaty, it has there an epistle addressed to the king François Ier who probably never read it. It presents in particular the doctrines of the Calvinism. It initially published it in Latin in 1536, then itself translated it into French in 1541. In 1561, Calvin published of it a last version, synthesis of the preceding versions; this ultimate version included/understood also the evolution of its thought between 1541 and 1561.

This work develops in a systematic way the doctrines of the Réforme as preached by Calvin. Through its text, it accentuates contrast between the absolute power of God and the misery of the man, mislaid by the Original sin . Since this sin which involved its fall, the man is corrupted in his nature and is deprived of all free will. Its safety depends only on the divine grace, whose recipients are established in a predestined way .

It is the second time that the French is used in a treaty of theology. The first being the Comment of the Pentateuque by Rachi de Troyes. the first time also that the French Prose expresses ideas with as much precision, rigor and clearness. It is for this reason that the Institution of the Christian religion contributed significantly to the development of French.

This treaty was rejected by the Catholic church because it conceived Eucharistie like a simple commemoration instead of a celebration of the body living of Christ.

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