Calvyn en die Akademie van Geneve

Abstract

In this article Calvin's founding of the College and Academy of Geneva (1559) is discussed against the background of the medieval school system in order to appreciate his part in the renewal of education. Imbibing the humanism of his day, Calvin's engagagement with education reveals common ground with the humanist ideals of his limes. Yet there were fundamental differences: by combining the classical artes liberates with the study of God’s Word, his ideal was not the creation of better human beings through education (the ideal of humanism) but the formation of useful men and women in the kingdom of God, i.e in church and society. Some stipulations of his church order (1541) and Leges for the Academy are placed in the context of his theology. Finally, Calvin’s ideals and contribution to education challenge us to consider our choices for education in a 'new South Africa’.