Calvin Puts His House in Order: The Reformer Confronts His Dissolute Stepchildren

Although John Calvin had no biological children who survived, through his wife, Idelette, he had two stepchildren: Jacob and Judith Tourneur. This article will show that these siblings were the source of some consternation for the reformer in the years following their mother’s death. Both had to app...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Sixteenth century journal Vol. 55; no. 1-2; pp. 73 - 91
Main Author Watt, Jeffrey R
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Chicago University of Chicago Press 01.03.2024
Subjects
16th century
Calvin, John (1509-1564)
Children & youth
Families & family life
Morality
Protestant Reformation
Religious law
Stepfamilies
Theologians
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Summary:Although John Calvin had no biological children who survived, through his wife, Idelette, he had two stepchildren: Jacob and Judith Tourneur. This article will show that these siblings were the source of some consternation for the reformer in the years following their mother’s death. Both had to appear before the Consistory of Geneva, the morals court created and dominated by Calvin. Jacob was summoned in 1556 for leading a life of debauchery instead of learning a trade and for participating in the Mass while in Germany. He was excluded from the Supper and briefly jailed. Convicted of adultery in 1562, Judith was jailed and subjected to a public caning, and her husband received a divorce for her infidelity. The punishments the Tourneurs received were in line with those typically assigned for these transgressions. The last appearance for each before the Consistory was when they successfully petitioned to be readmitted to communion, reflecting this institution’s ultimate goal of reintegrating sinners.
ISSN:0361-0160
2326-0726
DOI:10.1086/731059