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Geneva Catechism

John Calvin

Calvin's question-and-answer text for instructing the children of Geneva in Reformed Christian doctrine.

Calvin composed this catechism to teach Reformed doctrine to the people of Geneva, central to his religious program.

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About this source

What it is

This catechism, written by John Calvin, uses a question-and-answer format between a teacher and a child to explain basic Christian doctrine as understood by the Reformed church. It covers topics such as the knowledge of God and how believers should honor him.

Why it matters

Catechisms were the main tool for teaching ordinary people, including children, the doctrines of their faith. Calvin's catechism shows how he wanted the whole community of Geneva, not just scholars, to understand Reformed theology in a clear and structured way. It reveals his belief that religious instruction should reach everyone, reflecting the broader Reformation push to make faith accessible without relying only on clergy.

Look closer

  • Why might Calvin have chosen a question-and-answer format instead of a straightforward explanation?
  • What does the content of the questions suggest about what Calvin thought was most important for people to know?
  • Who would have used this text, and how might that shape its simple language?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of John Calvin on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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