InfoAnda - Divided Geneva marks 500 years of Calvinist rigour

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Spanish judge jails three Pakistanis in forgery probe | 4 December 2010
Somalia rival leaders agree to defer elections | | 9 June 2011
Russia's Medvedev calls for talks with Obama | 15 November 2008

Limbaugh, Gingrich, Cheney Speak For Republicans In New Poll | 11 June 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Divided Geneva marks 500 years of Calvinist rigour

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Divided Geneva marks 500 years of Calvinist rigour AFP - Monday, July 6 GENEVA (AFP) - - Geneva, once nicknamed the "Protestant Rome", is marking this month the 500th anniversary of John Calvin, an influential figure in the historic schism of Christianity who left his mark on this city. ADVERTISEMENT But local authorities have struggled to find the best way to celebrate the birth of the controversial French theologian and leader in the Protestant Reformation. The emaciated, bearded spiritual leader made for an unlikely idol, preaching austerity and repressing the slightest hint of sin, from flesh to alcohol or even merriment in the then sulphurous city-state in the 16th century. Calvin played a key role in religious history as a leader of one of the currents of the Protestant movement that split from the Roman Catholics, forcing him to flee to Switzerland. He is being celebrated because he turned a "provincial town into a European intellectual capital that became renowned through the centuries", according to the organisers of Geneva's "Year of Calvin". "It's very revealing that Genevans like to speak of the 'city of Calvin'" explained Olivier Fatio, a professor at the Institute of the History of the Reformation. Fatio believes a myth has been built up around Calvin, giving Geneva "a brand name, something like coca cola". Some English language dictionaries to this day define "Genevan" as a follower of Calvin. Nonetheless, his local legacy is controversial, dividing inhabitants between a traditional elite who honour the emblematic figure who shaped the city, and those who deride the 16th-century preacher as a "little ayatollah", as one blogger did. To this day, much of Geneva's influential private banking community -- often built around family dynasties -- and decision makers have Calvinist roots, lending a slightly austere or restrained flavour to life in the lakeside city in western Switzerland. -- 'Calvin is not a hero' --But the local religious balance has shifted, partly due to the subsequent influx of refugees and immigrants that largely began with the fleeing Protestants in Calvin's era. Nowadays, the majority of the canton of Geneva's population is Roman Catholic. "Calvin is not a hero," Fatio said, acknowledging the difficulty in celebrating an austere personality who ultimately fought to impose his vision of a theocratic city on its reluctant inhabitants, who then numbered 25,000. "He neither reinvented democracy nor capitalism, even if it's a fact that by justifying loans with interest payments, he broke with a medieval outlook on money," the historian said. "He was interested in theology, preaching and saving souls, and that's hard to understand nowadays." John Calvin lent his name to Calvinism, a belief that humans are fundamentally depraved, and taught Protestants who, like him, sought refuge in Geneva during a period of persecution in France and several other countries. Calvin ultimately imposed religious decrees in the city-state for 23 years until his death in 1564, setting up a consistory, a tribunal of elders and pastors who acted as guardians of the faith and morals. But he also separated the ecclesiastical from "civil" life and his decrees also touched on education, visits to prisoners and the infirm, while his humanist ethic remains, according to Geneva's International Museum of the Reform. The highlight of this year's festivities is an outdoor play until July 26 called "Geneva Ablaze", an altogether less ambitious project than the city landmark, the Wall of Reformers, that was built at the last centenary in 1909. The organisers said the play's title reflects the fervour that gripped this western corner of Switzerland under the influence of the reformer, and does not refer to Calvin's decision to burn an opponent at the stake for heresy. They promise "an hour and three quarters of mad energy, life, emotion suspense and humour". However, Calvin's memory conjured up contrasting feelings on an online blog opened by the local newspaper, the Tribune de Geneve. He was described as a "fanatic", a "little ayatollah" who marked Geneva with his "penny pinching and moralising" manner. In an interview with the Swiss Protestant Church's magazine, intellectual Xavier Comtesse, of the Avenir Suisse think-tank, proclaimed: "I am a Calvinist who likes parties." Yet, veneration would be quite out of character for Calvin, he admitted. The theologian was buried anonymously to avoid any posthumous cult. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Sign in to recommend this article » 0 users recommend Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Jackson family seeks delay in naming will executorAP - 2 hours 12 minutes ago Roskilde festival raises $373,000 for MalawiAFP - 2 hours 45 minutes ago Running of the bulls festival starts in SpainAFP - 2 hours 49 minutes ago Los Angeles would `love' contribution for memorialAP - 2 hours 59 minutes ago Jayhawks reunite with classic lineupAP - Tuesday, July 7 Enlarge Photo John Calvin's statue is seen at Geneva's Reformation Wall, a monument depicting Protestant figures from across Europe. Geneva is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin a formative figure in the Reformation. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed Harry Potter's nemesis revels in hard-edged new film The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality Schwarzenegger declares emergency in California US manned space flight in doubt 40 years after moon walk Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 6 July 2009
Iran frees foreign reporter amid fresh vote claims
Incoming MI6 chief in Facebook security slip
US-TECH Summary
Two British troops killed in major Afghan push
Media players plot survival in Sun Valley
Irish team in Sudan to help free kidnapped aid staff
Yemenia jet's black boxes 'will take days to recover'
Israel's Barak seeks peace 'understanding' with US
Crash probe locates doomed Yemeni flight recorders | International |
Iraqis skeptical about significance of US pullback
Iran: British-Greek reporter held for weeks freed
Three killed in riot in China's Xinjiang region | International |
3 dead after NC fireworks go off, 1 in Pa. blast
Mohawks v. Canada: Bridge shutdown hurts business
Missed revenue forecasts pose more woes for states
Suspected arson kills four in Japan: police
States digging deep to monitor water
Indian guards kill man crossing from Pakistan
Several Injured In Indiana Bridge Collapse
Tamil rebel shoots dead Sri Lankan soldier
Media players plot survival at Sun Valley confab | Technology |
Biden predicts more jobs because of stimulus money
Bomb blast near south Philippine cathedral kills 5
Former DC Mayor Marion Barry Arrested
Maine pound shows off rare orange, live lobsters
UN chief's failure to meet Suu Kyi a 'great loss': NLD party
Suspected Serial Killer Has Small SC Town On Edge
Biden: Israel free to set own course on Iran
U.S. to Give Pakistan Crucial Drone Technology
Pakistani jets pound Taliban on Afghan border
Disney Monorail Crash Kills One
Texas teen says father wrapped chain around him
Returning Yousuf repays Pakistan with Test century
Walt Disney World monorail crash kills employee
Developing: QB Steve McNair Found Dead In Apparent Homicide
N.Korean ship sails home after being tracked by US: report
Japan PM seeks votes with approval ratings low
Official: Palin cited toll of ethics complaints
Nomura breaks into Saudi investment banking market
New Zealand house price decline slows in June-survey
Obama and networks: a symbiotic relationship
14 killed after Indonesian train hits bus
'Slumdog' kid star to move into new home next week
Michael Jackson drug reports prompt doctors' warning | Entertainment |
Ice Age sequel heats up worldwide box office | Entertainment |
16 Afghan mine clearers, health workers abducted: govt
China says 140 dead in Xinjiang unrest | International |
Indonesian Facebook users defy clerics
Insurgent attacks in Iraq kill 2 in Mosul, Baqouba
Red Cross warning on poor nation epidemics
Ousted Honduran president fails in bid to return | International |
Iran: British-Greek reporter held for weeks freed
US manned space flight in doubt 40 years after moon walk
Calderon's party loses Congress vote in Mexico | International |
Suspected North Korea weapons ship heads home | International |
One British soldier killed in Afghanistan | International |
Suicide blast kills 2 Afghans outside foreign base | International |
Obama travels to Russia, arms deal seen | International |
Biden: Israel has right to deal with nuclear Iran | International |
Oxfam to G-8: Climate change will spread hunger
Recession pushed 90 million into extreme poverty | International |
Nigerian militants claim to destroy Chevron facility
Alaska observers say Palin had gone fishin' on job
US won't stand in Israel's way on Iran: Biden
Obama heads for high-stakes Russia visit
OMG!! Jackson fans beat odds for memorial tickets
No deal: NY Senate adjourns after 3-minute session
Irish pub happy as clam, wins Mass. chowder prize
Muslim minority riots erupt in China's west
Gambler sues casino for lost $23 mln fortune: report
China calls Xinjiang riot a plot against rule
China blames Muslim Uighurs for deadly protests
SKorea says NKorean missiles can hit key targets
Hundreds at funerals for 2 victims of SC killings
2 British soldiers killed in southern Afghanistan
Three killed in riot in China's Xinjiang region
Pakistan: Jets target N. Waziristan, up to 6 die
Torrential rain in China leaves at least 20 dead: state media
Japan PM dealt fresh blow in regional election
Lawyers set to square off over Jackson estate | Entertainment |
Clarification: Michael Jackson-TV
Jackson fans prepare for farewell service
Essence Festival ends 3 days of music, motivation
Chinese pen instant Michael Jackson biography | Entertainment |
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
DoCoMo invests $45.5 mln in US mobile video firm
Taiwan High Speed Rail in T$390bln refinance-sources
Lawyers set to square off over Jackson estate
OMG!! Jackson memorial passes start to trickle out
Ford says China sales up 14 percent in first half
G8 days numbered?
Al Sharpton calls for 'love vigils' for Jackson
"Ice Age" sequel heats up worldwide box office
Japan to sign crisis loan pact with Indonesia: report
'Ice Age,' 'Transformers' share box office top spot
Samsung estimates big rise in Q2 profit
Little people call for FCC to ban 'midget'
Ford says China sales up 20 percent in first half
Taiwan dollar flat in thin trade, eyes stocks
S.Korea bonds edge up ahead of auctions
Seoul shares slip; Samsung Elec up on forecast
Taliban launch 'operation' against Marines
Michael Jackson memorial tickets for sale online
US judge approves GM bankruptcy plan
Khamenei warns West not to interfere in Iran | International |
Nepal Tibetans mark Dalai Lama's birthday
Israel deports activists detained going to Gaza
Britain says eighth embassy worker freed by Iran
Bulgarian ex-bodyguard eyes government after vote | International |
Bomb kills 4, injures 9 in southeast Turkey | International |
Car bomb in Iraq wounds 10, policeman shot | International |
Media players plot survival in Sun Valley | Technology |
China tightens Web screws after Xinjiang riot | Technology |
NY congressman blasts Michael Jackson as 'pervert'
Police: 12 wounded in shooting at Miami party
Nokia denies plans phone running Google's Android | Technology |
Oldest Bible made whole again online | Technology |
British spy chief's cover blown on Facebook | Technology |
Survey: 73 Percent Of Canadians Believe Obama Is Doing A Good Job
Researchers study 'personality traits' of cars
Judge Approves GM's Bankruptcy Plan To Sell Assets To New Company
Nigerian militants say Chevron facility destroyed
NY Senate Still In Gridlock Despite Daily Emergency Sessions
Obama arrives in Russia for summit: AFP
U.S. Says North Korean-Flagged Ship Suspected Of Contraband Was Forced To Turn Back
Field-to-plate: Vt. college students try farming
Former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara Dead At 93
Virginia Plane Crash Kills Two
4 go on trial for roles in Texas school fight club
Alleged Drunk Driver Crashes Into California Congressman's Office
School bullying, once a silent battle, now a crime
Franken Takes Over Senate Office Monday
Obama Arrives In Moscow For Nuclear Arms Summit; Makes First Visit To Africa This Week
Indian market tumbles 5.8 percent on deficit fears
Audi reports record first-half Chinese sales
India pushes up deficit to spur growth
To spur growth, India sees budget deficit growing
Citi names 2 senior execs to lead Asia operations
India targets 'earliest' return to 9% GDP growth
India to increase deficit spending to boost growth
S.Korea to toughen home-backed lending soon-media
Ford China says sales up 14 percent in first half
Tokyo premiere launches return of Harry Potter | Entertainment |
Seoul shares up fueled by techs;Samsung Elec jumps
Lang Lang, Herbie Hancock in bold Montreux premiere | Entertainment |
Palestinian youngsters make music in former prison | Entertainment |
Jayhawks reunite with classic lineup
French act Nouvelle Wave perfect cover art
Britons turn living statues atop London plinth
En Vogue marks 20 years with Essence Fest concert
Divided Geneva marks 500 years of Calvinist rigour
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01