Calvin, Capital and the Camel. Thoughts and Practices on Money in Early Modern Christianity

International conference in Geneva March 19 and 20, 2024, organized by REFORC in collaboration with the International Museum of the Reformation and the St. Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva. Short paper proposals are welcome before November 1, 2023.

Conference

Much has been said and written about the connection between Calvinism and capitalism, but what about thoughts and practices on money in Early Modern Christianity in general?  The Bible as normative source for this period says that ‘it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God’ (Matth. 19:24). What role did this view and belief (religion?) in general play in issues related to money in Early Modern Christianity? How was the use of money criticized in sermons and texts, encouraged in economics and politics and visualized in arts?  How did cities and rulers deal with beggars and poverty as well as with the public display of richness? How did banks, patrons and religious foundations function? The conference deals with these questions in light of present day issues, and aims at an interdisciplinary and interconfessional academic exchange.

Venues

 

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

International Museum of the Reformation
Cour de Saint-Pierre 10
CH-1204 Geneva

For more information on the museum, check the newly-launched English website.

Wednesday March 20, 2024

Auditorium Barbier-Muller
Place Bourg-de-Four 24
CH-1204 Geneva

Short Paper Presentations

Short paper presentations will last 20 minutes and will be followed by 10 minutes of discussion.

Proceedings

Publication of the proceedings of the conference is intended.

Grant

Accepted applicants will receive a grant for travel and lodging of up to €400.

Short Paper Submissions

Short paper submissions has closed. If your short paper proposal will be accepted, you agree with preparing your paper for the conference volume and submitting it within half a year after the conference.

Information

For more information, contact Herman J. Selderhuis.

 

 

Visual: Marinus van Reymerswaele: The Calling of Saint Matthew via Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum

More information
Information
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Mar'24
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20
Mar'24
International Museum of the Reformation, Cour de Saint-Pierre 10 in Geneva, and Auditorium Barbier-Muller, Place du Bourg-de-Four 24, Geneva