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The Kingdom that Turned the World Upside Down  /  Chapter 32, The New Zion in Geneva  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 1
The chapter describes Geneva under Calvin as enforcing church attendance, doctrine, and moral behavior through the Consistory and civil officers; what picture of “God’s kingdom” is implicitly being assumed in that system, and how does that compare with Jesus’ statement that His disciples did not fight because His kingdom is not of this world?
Another way to ask: In Calvin’s Geneva, the church and government forced people to attend church and follow certain morals. What idea of “God’s kingdom” does that assume, and how does it fit with Jesus saying His kingdom is not of this world?

Direct Answer Based on Bercot’s teaching, Geneva assumed God’s kingdom is an earthly society where the state enforces true religion and morality, much like Old Testament Israel. That directly clashes with Jesus’ statement that His disciples did not fight because His kingdom is “not of this world,” implying His reign is not maintained by coercion or the sword.

Support from Transcript:

  • Calvin wanted “to establish in Geneva a state similar to Israel of the Old Testament.”
  • “All citizens…would have to accept the Reformation and attend church,” with the state “actively involved” in doctrine and conduct.
  • The Consistory disciplined those who “missed church services” or opposed Calvin’s doctrine.
  • Civil officers “watch[ed] over the conduct of the population,” with searches, torture, and forced confessions.
  • Bercot concludes Calvin’s “new Zion was a kingdom of this world.”
  • He contrasts this with Jesus: disciples didn’t fight “for the very reason that his kingdom was not of this world.”
Discussion Follow-ups What kinds of “kingdom” results come from compulsion versus voluntary discipleship? Where might we be tempted to confuse a Christian society with Jesus’ kingdom?

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