THE PROVENANCE OF JOHN CALVIN'S EMPHASIS ON THE ...

3.3 Turning from Theology to Law, to Humanism, to Reform
In 1527, when Calvin had attained his licencié en arts, his father redirected him
educationally and vocationally from theology to law. 328 Rather than taking up such
study in Paris, Calvin relocated in early 1528 to Orléans. There he became a student of
the distinguished jurist Pierre de l'Estoile, an ecclesial and theological conservative who
had no small part in the attempt to stem the tide of Luther's influence in France. 329
Ganoczy observes that "if the young Calvin had been truly 'converted' at this time, or at
least on the road of 'pure religion,' he doubtless would have disapproved of the attitude
of his professor. But what do we find? The respectful and fervent devotion of a good
student to his master." 330 Some four years later, in 1531, such devotion was roused to
the defense of de l'Estoile against the sharp attacks of the Italian jurist and humanist
Andreas Alciati, with whom Calvin was studying at that time. 331
Others with whom Calvin consorted in Orléans all demonstrated avid interest in
the studia humanitatis. Melchior Wolmar, a distinguished instructor of Greek and a
'intimate friend of long standing.' . . . But it is important to note that in this reference Calvin makes no
allusion to Olivétan's introducing him to evangelical views. Shortly after leaving Orléans, Olivétan left
the country to join the ranks of Lutheran reformists, but nothing allows us to affirm with certainty that
Olivétan was already a Lutheran when he visited his relative in Paris and Orléans. That is only probable"
(Ganoczy, Young Calvin, 65).
328 Ganoczy, Young Calvin, 63; de Greef, Writings of John Calvin, 21. The absolute reason for
this change is not discernible, though it may have had something to do with Gerard's quarrels with
Calvin's patrons back in Noyon.
329 According to Ganoczy, de l'Estoile sat on the Council of Sens in 1528, which set itself against
the "Lutherans" and other "heretics," such as translators, printers, editors, and readers of the French Bible
(Ganoczy, Young Calvin, 64). See also Gordon, Calvin, 19-20.
330 Ganoczy, Young Calvin, 66.
331 Ganoczy, Young Calvin, 66.
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