Calvin between facilis brevitas, confessio, and institutio: instruction of faith in Geneva

Abstract

This article focuses on catechetical instruction in Geneva under Calvin, taking the 1537 “Instruction” and the 1545 “Catechism” as objects of study. The relationship among three key notions – Calvin’s own ideal of striving for brevity and simplicity on the one hand, the notions of “confessio” and “institutio” on the other hand – serves as catalyst to approach the nature of this cate-chetical instruction. After a historical overview of the circum-stances amidst which the above-mentioned writings were produced, a comparative study of their internal organisation leads to the assessment of Calvin’s method of theological exposition when dealing with the law and the Apostle’s Creed.