Calvin was a French theologian who lived from 1509 to 1564. His major work, *Institutes of the Christian Religion*, laid out a systematic theology that greatly influenced Protestant thought. His ideas were particularly appealing to those who were seeking a more austere and disciplined form of Christianity.
Here's a breakdown of how Calvin's ideas resonated with each group:
* English Puritans: Calvin's emphasis on predestination, the sovereignty of God, and the importance of living a morally upright life resonated deeply with Puritan ideals.
* Scotch Presbyterians: Calvin's emphasis on the authority of Scripture and the importance of church government led by elected elders was embraced by Presbyterians.
* French Huguenots: Calvin's ideas were widely adopted in France, and Huguenots formed a significant Protestant minority.
* Dutch Reformed: Calvinism became the dominant form of Protestantism in the Netherlands, with the Dutch Reformed Church directly influenced by Calvin's teachings.
While Calvin wasn't the only reformer whose ideas were influential, his impact on these Protestant groups was particularly profound and lasting.