None of us is perfect this side of heaven. Thats certain.But Calvin was severe to say the least.Just reading his comments and how he treated people that opposed him should raise concern. I notice that several have either said they disagree with or have not read Calvins writings.His comments on the Jews alone to me are indefensible.
Hi Ky
Kaylagrl,
Again, we do not follow Calvin the man. Yes he had his faults...don't we all!!
Lets put things in perspective regrding Servetus. Servetus had already been condemned to death, from memory I think in france. Now what does that mean?
Lets take a look at the USA, you guys have the death penalty for people who break certain laws and in fact very many Christians in the US agree with this would method of punishment for certain crimes (I not arguing wether this is right or wrong). So if you break those certain laws you know you will face the death penalty.
Now take yourself back into history, into Europe. Among many crimes, blasphemey was punishable by death, right or wrong that was the law in almost all Euroean countries at the time. And many Christians agreed with it.
It is with this in mind that nee to look at the Servetus issue, not reading our modern thought back into History (doing so is erroneous). Servetus had already been condemned under the Law of the land for his blasphemey, he escaped and got caught again, in fact I did not hear you mention that Calvin pleaded for mercry for a quick death for Servetus. (Remember Servetus had already been awaitning exectution in another country for his breaking of that countries laws).
That is how Calvin can say.. Servetus suffered the penalty due of his heresies . (your quote) He had broke the law. Europeans at that time did not know anything different regarding blasphemey, that was the law.
Again, Reformed do not follow Calvin te man, we follow the God-man, Jesus!