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Question 5

When Jeanne Trulliet challenged dual predestination by arguing it makes God the author of sin, Calvin refused discussion and said the doctrines in the Institutes were “put in his brain by God”; what does that exchange reveal about Calvin’s posture toward correction and accountability, and what does it suggest about how claims of divine certainty can function in theological disputes?

Another way to ask: When Jeanne Trulliet questioned predestination, Calvin wouldn’t discuss it and said God put the doctrine in his mind. What does that say about how open he was to correction, and how can claiming “God told me” affect theological arguments?

Direct Answer The exchange portrays Calvin as unwilling to entertain correction or debate on a serious moral objection, appealing instead to direct divine certainty. Bercot’s account suggests such claims can shut down accountability by framing disagreement as opposition to God rather than a matter to be tested and discussed.

Support from Transcript:

Trulliet argued dual predestination “essentially made God the author of sin,” since God decided who would be wicked.
“Calvin refused to discuss the issue with Trulliet or with anyone else.”
Calvin replied that the doctrines in his Institutes were “put in his brain by God.”
Instead of dialogue, Calvin had Trulliet “banished from Geneva.”
The surrounding chapter shows a broader pattern of enforced conformity: opposition to doctrine brought discipline and punishment.

Discussion Follow-ups How can Christians hold convictions strongly without claiming a kind of certainty that makes correction impossible? What safeguards help leaders remain accountable when they believe they are defending God’s truth?

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