In the Geneva Ordinances (1547), John Calvin laid out a structure of rules and regulations to create a Christian community based on biblical ideals, not those of the Roman Catholic Church. This society placed great importance on the spiritual discipline of its people, heavily fining citizens who breached Calvin’s code. One major difference from the Catholic church was that Calvin only recognized two sacraments: baptism and communion (216). There were also strict penalties for drunkenness, singing unworthy songs, and brawling (217). Further attacking the Catholic Church, Calvin prohibits the adoration of idols, pilgrimages, papistical feasts or fasting, and attending mass (216). That Calvin admonishes going on pilgrimage and attending mass made his opinion of the Catholic church without doubt. His society was, in some ways, the antithesis of Rome.

Calvin’s Geneva depended on a system fines to maintain order and proper practice. The smallest of indiscretions, arriving late to sermon – or leaving early – held a fine of three sous, roughly a day’s wages (215). Fornication, on the other hand, between two unmarried people held a fine of sixty sous each and imprisoned for six days (217). Adultery came with a fine for an amount at the lord’s discretion and nine days imprisonment (217). These punishments were applied by the local secular lord as well as the consistory, the council of community leaders.

In this way, both the spiritual and secular leaders of the community worked together to safeguard their Christian society. The revenues gained from fines were split between the church, the local lord and the poor and needy in the community (218). This is further evidence of Calvin’s focus on creating a community of Christians, not only a church. Wrongdoers were admonished by the community. The community voted for their ‘guardians’, the church leaders (217). The fines levied were split between the authorities and those who needed it most. The Geneva Ordinances operates not only as a religious document prescribing correct practice, but also as a legal document that governs the whole community. Such a document would be welcomed in Calvin’s day – a day when Popes used the people’s money to build magnificent cathedrals and throw extravagant parties and couldn’t care less for the well being of the common Christian across the continent. This document was insurance that Geneva’s people would not be subject to papal theft, monetarily or spiritually. Geneva would stand together. The church, the secular lord, and the people would all work towards a common goal: a better Christian society.