In terms of maintaining order and conformity, Calvin specifies the crimes and faults that are to be avoided by authority figures and members of the congregation as a key feature of his ordinances. It is clear that Calvin holds high standards as to the way in which a Christian is to conduct his or herself both publicly and privately. Calvin associates certain wrong doings with different suiting punishments. Calvin identifies many offenses but the most striking include blasphemies, contradiction of the word, songs and dances. One type of punishment that Calvin uses in response to these sins involves paying a sum of money. For example, Calvin states that people “who have blasphemed, swearing by the body or by the blood of our Lord, or suchlike, ought to do reverence for the first time;
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Moreover, the connection that Calvin wants to establish between the church and the government is evident in this context; thus, it suggests that there was not a secular government in place. Conjoining the church and the state demonstrates the degree of importance religious expression had in the lives of the people. Punishment in the form of prison time is demonstrated when Calvin states that if anyone be found “…sing songs that are unworthy, dissolute or outrageous, or spin wildly round in the dance, or the like, he to be imprisoned for three days, and then sent on to the consistory” (81). The various types of punishments outlined by Calvin allow for order and regulation, which will enable the church community to operate smoothly and progressively. Furthermore, outlining the punishments of certain sins and crimes is an important feature of Calvin’s ordinances because it represents that Calvin recognizes the value of aiming to deter the congregation from committing sin against God, thus keeping the church holy and preserving its
Moreover, the connection that Calvin wants to establish between the church and the government is evident in this context; thus, it suggests that there was not a secular government in place. Conjoining the church and the state demonstrates the degree of importance religious expression had in the lives of the people. Punishment in the form of prison time is demonstrated when Calvin states that if anyone be found “…sing songs that are unworthy, dissolute or outrageous, or spin wildly round in the dance, or the like, he to be imprisoned for three days, and then sent on to the consistory” (81). The various types of punishments outlined by Calvin allow for order and regulation, which will enable the church community to operate smoothly and progressively. Furthermore, outlining the punishments of certain sins and crimes is an important feature of Calvin’s ordinances because it represents that Calvin recognizes the value of aiming to deter the congregation from committing sin against God, thus keeping the church holy and preserving its