THE TRUTH: WAS JOHN CALVIN A CRYPTO-JEW? EXAMINING THE 1936 B’NAI B’RITH CLAIM. This Blog Critically Evaluates The Claim That John Calvin Was A Crypto-Jew, Allegedly Celebrated By B’nai B’rith In 1936. Through historical evidence and theological analysis, the post debunks the conspiracy theory and urges readers to avoid baseless myths and antisemitic propaganda.

The Controversial Claim

In February 1936, a claim surfaced in The Catholic Gazette, a British publication associated with Catholic integralism, suggesting that John Calvin—founder of the Reformed tradition and a leading figure of the Protestant Reformation—was actually a crypto-Jew. This allegation stated that Calvin (or "Cohen, Cauvin, or Calvin") was celebrated as a man of Jewish descent during B’nai B’rith celebrations in Paris, France.

This assertion has circulated in conspiracy literature ever since, often used to frame the Protestant Reformation as a subversive or "Judaizing" movement. But does this claim hold any historical weight? Or is it a fringe theory rooted in 20th-century propaganda?

Let’s examine the evidence, trace the origins of the rumor, and offer a balanced theological response.

Origins of the Crypto-Jew Claim

Where did the claim originate?

The key source is The Catholic Gazette (February 1936), a publication that was active during a period when antisemitic and anti-Protestant rhetoric was not uncommon in parts of Europe. This particular issue is notorious for echoing tropes from The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a widely debunked antisemitic forgery.

According to this report, Calvin was “enthusiastically acclaimed” as being of Jewish descent during a B’nai B’rith event in Paris. However, no official documents from B’nai B’rith or reputable Jewish publications from that time confirm this event or claim.

John Calvin’s Verified Background

To assess the credibility of the crypto-Jew claim, let’s look at what we do know about John Calvin’s background:

Birthplace: Noyon, Picardy, France, in 1509.
Birth Name: Jean Cauvin (Latinized as Ioannis Calvinus).
Family Background: His father, Gérard Cauvin, was a devout Roman Catholic and served as a notary for the Catholic Church.
Religious Influence: Calvin was educated in Catholic institutions and later became a key reformer after breaking with the Roman Church.

There is no genealogical or archival evidence that Calvin was of Jewish descent. Neither Jewish nor Protestant historians support the claim.

Calvin’s Views on Judaism

Ironically, Calvin's own theology and writings would make the idea of him secretly practicing or sympathizing with Judaism highly improbable.

Negative View of Rabbinic Judaism: Calvin often used polemical language against Jews in his biblical commentaries, particularly on Old Testament texts.
Opposition to Kabbalistic Mysticism: His writings lack any evidence of Kabbalistic or esoteric influence, which would have been present if he had secret Jewish leanings.
Theological Priorities: Calvin’s doctrine centered around sola scriptura, sola fide, and predestination—all of which conflict with traditional Jewish theology.

In his commentary on various biblical passages, Calvin echoes standard Reformed criticisms of Jewish interpretations. There’s no trace of hidden allegiance or secret admiration for Jewish religious traditions.

What Was B’nai B’rith Doing in 1936?

B’nai B’rith, founded in 1843, is one of the oldest Jewish service organizations. Its focus has been on charity, civil rights, and community service—not celebrating Protestant reformers.

An exhaustive search through B’nai B’rith archives and publications reveals no record of a celebration honoring John Calvin in 1936 or at any other time.

The idea that B’nai B’rith would recognize Calvin—a man who harshly criticized Judaism and promoted a theology fundamentally opposed to Jewish beliefs—is not just improbable, but borders on absurd.

Why Would This Claim Be Made?

So why would such a claim be fabricated or circulated?

1. Catholic Polemic Strategy

In the early 20th century, particularly in response to rising modernism and Protestantism, some Catholic thinkers sought to delegitimize the Reformation by linking it with alleged "Jewish subversion." Calvin being labeled a crypto-Jew would serve as a tool to undermine the theological foundation of Protestantism.

2. Conspiratorial Literature

This rumor fits neatly within the broader framework of Jewish world conspiracy theories, many of which stem from The Protocols of the Elders of Zion. Authors like Nesta Webster, Texe Marrs, and Michael Hoffman have recycled such claims to depict history as a scripted drama orchestrated by hidden Jewish elites.

In this narrative, even Protestant reformers like Calvin become pawns in a grand conspiracy—regardless of their actual beliefs or actions.

3. Theological Blame-Shifting

Some conservative Christian factions, uncomfortable with the fragmentation of Christendom or the rise of capitalism, have sought scapegoats. By accusing Calvin of crypto-Judaism, they redirect blame onto a perceived “foreign” influence rather than address real issues within the Church or society.

A Theological Response to the Crypto-Jew Theory

Even if Calvin had been of Jewish ancestry (which he wasn’t), ethnicity is irrelevant to theology.

"Do not devote yourself to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith." — 1 Timothy 1:4

Calvin’s legacy should be assessed by the content of his doctrine, not unverifiable rumors:

Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone): Central to Calvin’s theology and incompatible with Rabbinic tradition or Talmudic authority.
Predestination: Calvin’s emphasis on divine sovereignty directly contrasts with Jewish views on free will and law.
Christocentric Salvation: His focus on Jesus as the Messiah is theologically incompatible with Judaism.

These teachings emerged from Scripture and the Patristic tradition, especially the works of Augustine, not any hidden Jewish source.

Conclusion: A Fringe Claim Without Substance

The idea that John Calvin was a crypto-Jew celebrated by B’nai B’rith in 1936 is historically unsubstantiated, theologically irrelevant, and rooted in antisemitic propaganda rather than truth.

While it's essential to investigate historical claims critically, this particular assertion collapses under even modest scrutiny.

Bottom Line for Readers and Researchers:

Don’t let conspiracy theories replace real historical inquiry.
Evaluate theological ideas based on Scripture and sound doctrine, not genealogy or ethnic rumors.
Avoid recycling polemics that echo dangerous and discredited antisemitic narratives.

THE TRUTH

Wednesday, July 9, 2025