The kingdom of Christ is not instituted by the sword but through the Spirit’s use of the Word of God, resulting not only in spiritual regeneration but sanctification. While the temporal kingdom produces a civil righteousness, the church cultivates a spiritual righteousness.
I don't find fault with Calvin in his dealings with some of these heretics. I also don't think they deserved to die. He probably deserved jailing or beating for disturbing a public space in such a way. He could have been kicked out of Geneva at least a couple of times before they even jailed him. But it was another time with another way of thinking, so I don't look down on the people. However, I do value freedom of speech, even incorrect speech.
I keep in mind: as you say, a different time. The concept of religion being something different that the community, separate, somehow, from daily life, was completely unknown at the time.
Frankly, it remains unknown today. We have a religion today as well that is not separate from the daily life: books get burned (cancel culture), and heretics are made examples of (Julian Assange, Scott Ritter, J6 prisoners).
I don't find fault with Calvin in his dealings with some of these heretics. I also don't think they deserved to die. He probably deserved jailing or beating for disturbing a public space in such a way. He could have been kicked out of Geneva at least a couple of times before they even jailed him. But it was another time with another way of thinking, so I don't look down on the people. However, I do value freedom of speech, even incorrect speech.
I keep in mind: as you say, a different time. The concept of religion being something different that the community, separate, somehow, from daily life, was completely unknown at the time.
Frankly, it remains unknown today. We have a religion today as well that is not separate from the daily life: books get burned (cancel culture), and heretics are made examples of (Julian Assange, Scott Ritter, J6 prisoners).