Calvin and Servetus
In Geneva, Switzerland, there was dedicated in 1912 a
monument bearing the following inscription: "In memory of Michael
Servetus--victim of religious intolerance of his time, and burned for his
convictions at Champel, on September 27, 1553. Erected by the followers of
John Calvin, three hundred and fifty years later, as expiation for that
act, and to repudiate all coercion in matters of faith."
Thus have the followers of John Calvin demonstrated to
the world that they have progressed far beyond the teachings of their
leader in the spirit of true Christianity--the spirit of Justice, of Love.
Calvinists deserve congratulations on their progress, from all
Christians--Catholics and Protestants -all of whom have been making
similarly good progress during the intervening four centuries. None now
would justify Calvin's course in sentencing Servetus to be burned.
Others burned at the stake usually had the fuel piled at
their feet. The flames were inhaled with the smoke, and the victim was
speedily unconscious to suffering. For Servetus Satanic ingenuity arranged
the burning fagots at a distance. He literally roasted alive, in horrible
torture, nearly five hours --in the name of God, of Jesus, of
Righteousness, Truth, Justice, Love, Christianity and Civilization.
It seems remarkable that only now we are realizing that
a man so deficient in the spirit of his Master as to murder his brother,
should not be an accepted teacher of the Word of God and its spirit. Only
now are Bible students realizing that Brother Calvin was not the inventor
of the doctrine of Election, but merely of the doctrine that all the
non-elect would suffer everlastingly. Now we see that the terms, "the
Elect," "the very Elect," are Bible terms! and that those
who make their calling and election sure, will be glorified in the First
Resurrection. Now we see that the Elect will be associated with Jesus in
His Kingdom, which will bless the non-elect-- "all the families of
the Earth."--Galatians 3:29.
