Pierre Viret facts for kids
Pierre Viret (born 1509 or 1510 – died April 4, 1571) was an important Protestant reformer from Switzerland. He was a theologian and a preacher who helped spread the Reformed faith.
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Early Life of Pierre Viret
Pierre Viret was born in 1509 or 1510 in a town called Orbe, which is now part of Switzerland. His father, Guillaume Viret, worked as a tailor. Pierre went to school in his hometown. Later, he studied at the University of Paris in France. There, he learned about the new ideas of the Protestant Reformation and became a Protestant. In 1531, he went back to Orbe to avoid being persecuted in Paris.
Viret's Powerful Preaching
When Viret returned to Orbe, another Protestant preacher named William Farel asked him to join the ministry. On May 6, 1531, Pierre Viret gave his very first sermon. People were amazed by his preaching, and many quickly became followers of the Reformed faith, including Viret's own parents.
He first preached in Orbe and Grandson. Later, he preached in other Swiss cities like Payerne, Neuchâtel, and Geneva. He also traveled to France, where he spoke to thousands of people in big cities like Paris and Orléans. His preaching was known for being kind and welcoming. Because of this, he was often called "The Smile of the Reformation."
Viret was once captured by Catholic forces. He was one of the most popular French-speaking preachers in the 1500s. He played a huge role in reforming the city of Lausanne. He helped many people there become part of the Reformed faith.
During Viret's time, Lausanne and Geneva became important places for training new Reformation preachers. For example, Guy de Brès, who wrote the Belgic Confession, studied in Lausanne. In 1537, Viret helped start a school of theology in Lausanne. This school later became the University of Lausanne. He also worked there as a professor.
In 1559, Viret and many other teachers left Lausanne. They had disagreements with the authorities from Bern. Viret then moved to Geneva. He and the other professors and students from Lausanne helped start the Academy of Geneva.
In 1561, Viret moved to Southern France, possibly because of his health. He served as a pastor in cities like Nîmes and Montpellier. In 1563, he was asked to lead a meeting of the Reformed churches in France, held in Lyon. A historian named Melchior Adam said that in Lyon, Viret preached outdoors and helped thousands of people find faith in Jesus Christ.
Viret was asked to leave Lyon two years later. In 1567, Jeanne d'Albret, the Queen of Navarre, invited him to bring the Reformation to her region, called the Béarn. Pierre Viret died in 1571 in either Bellocq or Orthez.
Viret's Lasting Legacy
Historians believe that Pierre Viret was a very important figure in the Reformation. Some say that while his friend John Calvin was great at explaining religious beliefs, Viret was excellent at teaching how Christians should live. He was also very good at defending the Protestant faith.
One historian, Robert D. Linder, noted that Viret believed the Bible's authority should be stronger than the government's. Linder also thinks that Viret deserves more recognition in the history of the Reformation.
Books Written by Viret
Pierre Viret wrote more than fifty books. Many of these have been translated into English. Here are some of his works:
- Anchor of the Soul: An Exposition of the Apostles Creed
- The Catechism of Pierre Viret
- The Christian and the Magistrate: Roles, Responsibilities, and Jurisdictions
- Exposition of the Ten Commandments
- His Glorious Bride
- Jesus Christ, the Believer's Comfort and Joy
- Letters of Comfort to the Persecuted Church
- Marvelous Trinity
- Simple Exposition of the Christian Faith
