How did Calvin stamp the mark of the Reformation and the image of Switzerland on the world?
X.C.: As a reaction to the papal selling of indulgences as a mean of raising money for Rome, Calvin was one of the first church leaders to permit the granting of loans with interest – albeit tied to high moral standards. That forged a link with the present: extortionate interest didn’t come into question, therefore the loans had to be cheap. As in religion and politics, the thinking behind this banking was to protect the citizen through high moral standards. Also considered worth protecting by Protestantism was the personal sphere. Add this to being able to bank and you get banking secrecy.
Related Questions
- Which western world leaders are in Paris for either Bastille Day or the Mediterranean Union summit?
- How did Calvin stamp the mark of the Reformation and the image of Switzerland on the world?
- What did the 2006 World Cup do for the image of German football?
- What did the 2006 World Cup do for the image of German football?
- How will EURO 2008 affect the image of Switzerland?
- How will EURO 2008 affect the image of Switzerland?
