Calvin's Consistory

The Consistory dealt with religious and political features of Calvin’s system that was seen to provide organization and authority within the state of Geneva. This was not by means a new idea, it had previously been operated in Berne but the Genevan consistory had a higher authority. It dealt with justice, punishing people for crimes such as dancing, and gambling. It was also allocated to dealing with social issues, which looked to support families. Calvin was successful as he personally dealt with challenges from the opposition, e.g. Servetus; who opposed Calvin’s theology and questioned the legitimacy of the Trinity. The Libertines sided with Servetus to ‘annoy’ Calvin, but were disemboweled when Servetus was burned as a heretic. Furthermore