The Most Important Educational Theories of John Calvin

The eight most substantial educational theories of John Calvin, a French theologian who is also known for his contribution to Calvinism are as follows:-

1)    Theory of Value:

Calvinism has two aspects to it. Its knowledge is composed of knowledge of self and knowledge of god. The old and the New Testament throw light on the knowledge of god and it can be obtained from it. The education is taken care by the church. Christian education is destined towards giving directions to people to live a life that is in accordance with virtues and values of Christianity. Calvin has contributed towards the development of knowledge of self and enhancing humanist learning.

2)    Theory of Knowledge

The base of this theory lies in the understanding of god. Calvin postulated that one can understand self only after having the knowledge of god. Since god is the foundation of any enlightenment and the ability to learn about is something that a person is endowed with from birth, Calvin did not demarcated between knowledge and belief. According to them one cannot be attained without another i.e. knowledge cannot be attained without having belief.

3)    Theory of Human Nature

According to this theory, Calvin considers man as a sinful creature which is created by god. Since man is sinful, so it commits various mistakes and forgiveness can be granted only by god. This is due to the sacrifice by the god’s son Christ whose martyrdom and resurrection is a boon to humanity.  Calvin had a deep faith in Christ and his theory is centered on him proving beneficial to mankind.

4)    Theory of Learning

According to Calvin’s theory of learning, he focused on giving more importance to liberal arts rather than studying law or medicine.  This was mainly because his own training was in humanism and he understood the importance of learning humanism. The schools in Geneva were restructured by him. A strong emphasis was on tidiness, discipline and alertness.  Renaissance thoughts were reflected on the curriculum. Fitness was given primary importance as they had physical exercise in their routine. Learning of vocabulary and grammar was an integral part of it.

5) Theory of Transmission

The theory of government as pointed by Calvin is very detailed. The church was divided into four parts. The office consisted of doctor, pastor, elder and deacon. The teachers were assigned to look after the school and ministers would supervise Sunday schools. According to Calvin the church had a very crucial role to play in education. The primary role of church was to impart education. Not only this, he emphasized that the knowledge can be gained and retained by revision and this could be achieved by daily singing of the psalms. Calvin pointed that preaching had a substantial role to play in learning.

6)    Theory of Society

According to Calvin the society was look after by the god. He decides what needs to be elected. Even though he considered that the society is run by god but according to him society is not his kingdom. The state is meant for the good of mankind and it should create opportunities for people to live a good life. The government should play a pivotal role to do good to the people. The state should direct various parts of life and church should also come under its jurisdiction. For this, he set a government in Geneva. Here, the law was interpreted by magistrate. Also, he Roman law was acknowledged by him.

7)    Theory of Opportunity

A government was set up in Geneva by Calvin. This government promised schools to all its people and all the people would send their children to school. There was no demarcation between rich and poor in this. The poor would attend the school without any cost. There was equality in education which provided equal opportunity to all. Moreover, a separate school for girls was also set up in Geneva. But this education was only granted to those who had a membership of state i.e. who belonged to Geneva. The construction was also in full swing during the time of Calvin as he managed to construct the building with the help of donations from rich people.

8) Theory of Consensus

Calvin was a great admirer of consensus. He believed in the idea of sharing of knowledge and ideas and for this he often discussed with reformers. Not only this, in his government he wanted pope to preside his council on one condition that the Pope would agree with the decisions of the council.

Works Cited: 

Calvin, John, Institutes for the Christian Religion :Book First, Chapter I, Section 1

Reid, W.Stanford, John Calvin: His Influence on the Western World, (Michigan: Zondervan, 1982)