Reconsidering the Sensus Divinitatis in the Light of the Semen Religionis: John Calvin and Non-Christian Religion

Abstract

Summary John Calvin’s references to the sensus divinitatis in the Institutes have been variously understood and applied. This article considers four interpretations of Calvin’s meaning and use of the term and critically evaluates these against his comments on enlightenment by the Logos in the prologue of the Gospel of John, and his thoughts on idolatry and non-Christian religion. In light of the analyses, I propose an alternative interpretation of the usage of the term, namely that Calvin employed it to stand in opposition to and in ongoing tension with the fruit of the semen religionis – namely idolatrous religion. I argue that this particular reading of Calvin’s adoption and adaptation of Stoic terminology has certain advantages over alternative readings, given his opposition to the religious hypocrisy of the Roman Catholic Church of his era.