Consistory and Social Discipline in Calvin`s Geneva

The Consistory of Geneva was a quasi-tribunal created by John Calvin to enforce Reformed morality in Geneva. It summoned thousands of people for various sinful behaviors and was more intrusive than the Catholic Inquisition. Jeffrey Watt's book examines the role of the Consistory in upholding patriarchy, promoting a strong work ethic, and fostering discipline in Genevan society. It is available in digital formats thanks to a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2020
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Consistory of Geneva, established by John Calvin during the Reformation in Europe, emerged as a highly influential institution tasked with enforcing Reformed morality. Comprising pastors and elders, this quasi-tribunal met weekly to address a wide range of sinful behaviors, including drunkenness, dancing, blasphemy, and quarrels. In contrast to the Catholic Inquisition, the Consistory was significantly more intrusive, summoning thousands of individuals for various offenses. Among those called before the court were women alleged to be prophets, boys who neglected catechism to engage in martial arts, and individuals seeking forgiveness for renouncing Protestantism out of fear of death.

This meticulously researched book, the result of Jeffrey Watt's extensive involvement in transcribing, editing, and publishing the Consistory records, offers a comprehensive examination of this morals court. It provides a valuable insight into the reception of the Reformation in the so-called Protestant Rome. Watt delves into the role of the Consistory in upholding patriarchy, highlighting that while Genevan authorities did not apply a double standard in prosecuting illicit sexuality, they strongly encouraged women to submit to even violent husbands. Additionally, Calvin and his colleagues promoted a strong work ethic by censuring individuals, primarily men, for laziness, and displayed a surprising degree of skepticism toward accusations of witchcraft.

Convincingly, Watt demonstrates that Genevans, by and large, shared the ideals promoted by the Consistory and that it enjoyed considerable success in fostering discipline within Genevan society. This book is openly available and serves as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the social and religious dynamics of Reformation Europe.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648250040