John Calvin, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, faced opposition from various groups and individuals, including:
* The Roman Catholic Church: This was the most significant and organized opposition. The Catholic Church condemned Calvin's teachings, particularly his doctrines of predestination and justification by faith alone, which directly contradicted Catholic dogma.
* Other Protestant Reformers: While many agreed with Calvin, some had different theological interpretations and resisted his influence. For instance:
* Anabaptists: They disagreed with Calvin on issues like infant baptism and the role of the state in religious matters.
* Lutherans: While sharing common ground with Calvinists, Lutherans had some significant theological differences, especially concerning the Eucharist (Lord's Supper).
* Zwinglians: They differed with Calvin on the nature of the Eucharist.
* Michael Servetus: This Spanish theologian was burned at the stake in Geneva for his anti-Trinitarian views, an act that generated criticism of Calvin, even from some who otherwise supported his reforms.
* Libertines: This group in Geneva opposed Calvin's strict moral and social regulations, viewing them as oppressive.
* Spiritualists: They believed in direct, personal communication with God, bypassing the need for organized religion or scripture.
The opposition to Calvin was complex, stemming from theological disagreements, power struggles, and differing views on social and political matters.