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Primary sourceBook1536 (first edition); revised to 1559

Institutes of the Christian Religion

John Calvin · 1536 (first edition); revised to 1559

Calvin's systematic theology of Protestant doctrine, first published in 1536 and revised through his life into the definitive 1559 edition.

Calvin wrote this foundational text of Reformed theology, which defines his religious legacy.

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Title page of the 1559 Geneva edition of Calvin's Institutio Christianae religionis, printed by Robert Estienne. Title text reads 'Institutio Christianae religionis... Iohanne Calvino authore.' A woodcut shows a tree with the motto 'Altum sapere' and a figure reaching toward it. Printed 'Geneva, M.D.LIX.'
John Calvin, Institutio Christianae religionis, Geneva: Robert Estienne, 1559 edition (title page).

About this source

What it is

The Institutes of the Christian Religion is John Calvin's major theological work, first printed in Latin in Basel in 1536 with a dedication to King Francis I of France. Calvin kept expanding it, publishing new editions in 1539, 1543 and 1550, with the final authoritative edition appearing in 1559 in Geneva.

Why it matters

The book became a core reference for Reformed, or Calvinist, Christianity, setting out doctrines such as God's sovereignty and predestination. It was written partly to defend persecuted French Protestants from accusations that they held radical, heretical beliefs. Its growth from six chapters to a huge mature text shows how Calvin's reputation and influence as a reformer developed over his lifetime.

Look closer

  • Why did Calvin address his first edition to the King of France rather than to fellow Protestants?
  • How might a book change in meaning as its author revises it across twenty years?
  • What does the title page's imagery suggest about how the printer wanted readers to see this book?

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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John Calvin · 1562 (complete edition)

Printed facsimile page titled 'Calvin to Edward VI, King of England, July 4 1552, British Museum', showing a handwritten letter in French script with a signature 'Vostre bon frère ... Iehan Calvin' at the bottom.Letter

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Letter to Edward VI of England

John Calvin · 4 July 1552

Painted portrait of a bearded man in a black beret, dark-brown garment, black collar with white linen edge, turned three-quarters to the left against a brown background. Inscription at top reads IOANNES CALVINVS.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of John Calvin

Unknown · 1550

Front facade of Saint-Pierre Cathedral in Geneva under a clear blue sky. A neoclassical portico with four tall Corinthian columns and a triangular pediment with a coat of arms stands before a domed roof. On the right, a Gothic section with a pointed gable and a tall pointed window. Yellow-green banners hang on the columns, and people walk on the wide stone steps.Artifact

Primary source

St. Pierre Cathedral

c. 1150 onward

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