Jon Balserak is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol. He earned his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and his research focuses on Christian history and thought in the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, with an emphasis on the Reformations in France and Geneva, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, dissimulation and lying, divine accommodation, the history of prophecy, and the interpretation of the Bible. His prior publications include Calvinism: A Very Short Introduction (2017) and John Calvin as Sixteenth-Century Prophet (2014).

This provocative study challenges existing views of John Calvin's ethics and raises important questions about dissimulation in Reformation Geneva. Jon Balserak shows just how carefully Calvin shaped his public image, and he draws attention to the contradictions between the reformer's condemnation of Nicodemism and his use of subterfuge to spread the evangelical gospel. Geneva's Use of Lies, Deceit, and Subterfuge, 1536-1563 demonstrates the importance of looking at actions as well as words when looking at Calvin's dealings with France.

• AbbreviationsPreface I. Introduction 1. What this Study Argues 2. Review of Scholarship3. Lies, Self-Presentation, and Early Modern Culture II. Devising and Implementing Calvin's Plans, 1536-1560 4. Why did Calvin Write his Prefatory Letter to King Francis I? 5. Deception and Clandestine Ministry III. Negotiating Three Challenges, 1559-1563 6. King Francis II's Reign (and Youth); Political Plotting up through 1560 7. Catherine's Policy of Toleration; Growing the Church and Fighting the Devil8. The Advent of War; Establishing Christ's Kingdom in France in Wartime Conclusion Bibliography Index

Jon Balserak is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol. He earned his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and his research focuses on Christian history and thought in the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, with an emphasis on the Reformations in France and Geneva, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, dissimulation and lying, divine accommodation, the history of prophecy, and the interpretation of the Bible. His prior publications include Calvinism: A Very Short Introduction (2017) and John Calvin as Sixteenth-Century Prophet (2014).

This provocative study challenges existing views of John Calvin's ethics and raises important questions about dissimulation in Reformation Geneva. Jon Balserak shows just how carefully Calvin shaped his public image, and he draws attention to the contradictions between the reformer's condemnation of Nicodemism and his use of subterfuge to spread the evangelical gospel. Geneva's Use of Lies, Deceit, and Subterfuge, 1536-1563 demonstrates the importance of looking at actions as well as words when looking at Calvin's dealings with France.

• AbbreviationsPreface I. Introduction 1. What this Study Argues 2. Review of Scholarship3. Lies, Self-Presentation, and Early Modern Culture II. Devising and Implementing Calvin's Plans, 1536-1560 4. Why did Calvin Write his Prefatory Letter to King Francis I? 5. Deception and Clandestine Ministry III. Negotiating Three Challenges, 1559-1563 6. King Francis II's Reign (and Youth); Political Plotting up through 1560 7. Catherine's Policy of Toleration; Growing the Church and Fighting the Devil8. The Advent of War; Establishing Christ's Kingdom in France in Wartime Conclusion Bibliography Index

Jon Balserak is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion and Theology at the University of Bristol. He earned his PhD at the University of Edinburgh in 2002 and his research focuses on Christian history and thought in the Renaissance and Early Modern periods, with an emphasis on the Reformations in France and Geneva, John Calvin, Theodore Beza, dissimulation and lying, divine accommodation, the history of prophecy, and the interpretation of the Bible. His prior publications include Calvinism: A Very Short Introduction (2017) and John Calvin as Sixteenth-Century Prophet (2014).

This provocative study challenges existing views of John Calvin's ethics and raises important questions about dissimulation in Reformation Geneva. Jon Balserak shows just how carefully Calvin shaped his public image, and he draws attention to the contradictions between the reformer's condemnation of Nicodemism and his use of subterfuge to spread the evangelical gospel. Geneva's Use of Lies, Deceit, and Subterfuge, 1536-1563 demonstrates the importance of looking at actions as well as words when looking at Calvin's dealings with France.

• AbbreviationsPreface I. Introduction 1. What this Study Argues 2. Review of Scholarship3. Lies, Self-Presentation, and Early Modern Culture II. Devising and Implementing Calvin's Plans, 1536-1560 4. Why did Calvin Write his Prefatory Letter to King Francis I? 5. Deception and Clandestine Ministry III. Negotiating Three Challenges, 1559-1563 6. King Francis II's Reign (and Youth); Political Plotting up through 1560 7. Catherine's Policy of Toleration; Growing the Church and Fighting the Devil8. The Advent of War; Establishing Christ's Kingdom in France in Wartime Conclusion Bibliography Index