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Calvinism and Moral Discipline

The exercise of discipline was a central feature of Reformed religious life. A culture of moral discipline was not simply imposed from above by clergy and elders on passive or resentful communities. Especially in areas where joining a church was not merely a matter of obeying state laws, we need to account for the enduring popular appeal of Reformed ideals of moral renewal. Synods, clergy, and elders certainly held much greater power than ordinary church members in determining the culture of moral discipline in Reformed societies. However, in the work of consistories we find informal processes of negotiation over the limits of acceptable behavior and appropriate sanctions against offenders. This chapter explores evidence from one French community to examine the role of clergy, consistories, and congregations in the culture of Reformed moral discipline.