John Calvin - Heroes of the Faith Author:Sam Wellman Though he was a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin (1509-1564) may be best remembered for his influential theological positions. Calvin fled his native France to escape the persecution his reformation teaching was attracting. Later, in Geneva, his positions led to his expulsion from the city, but when Protestant forces... more » regained control of Geneva, Calvin established a new theocratic government--which harbored persecuted Protestants from across Europe. Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion laid out his understanding of Bible doctrine, including his beliefs in the primacy of Scripture, predestination, and salvation by grace alone.« less