The Reformation revolutionized society’s view of marriage, family, and community. Reformers who were formerly Roman Catholic priests were now marrying. Even Luther himself married Katharina von Bora, a former Roman Catholic nun who had embraced the Gospel and left the convent.

Social compassion was another tremendous fruit of the Reformation. For example, in Geneva, John Calvin established what was called the Bourse Francaise, which became a pillar of social welfare. The Bourse provided for orphans, widows, the elderly, the sick, and those afflicted with various incapacities. They ministered to those who had been abandoned, those who were terminally ill, and children with a variety of needs. One writer notes, “This ecclesiastical institution was a precursor to the voluntary societies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries in the West.” It arose in response to the substantial social demand created by the influx of French refugees fleeing from persecution.

Personal responsibility at home and in the workplace was stimulated by the Reformation. Personal stewardship was a renewing trademark of the Reformation work ethic. Geneva even provided interim subsidies and job-training according to need. Tools and supplies were sometimes furnished and served to promote responsibility with a new work ethic.

The Reformation taught that work has inherent dignity given by our Creator. Work was to be done to the glory of God, not as a slave to a taskmaster but as a son to a Father.

Ministry to practical needs was both borne out of and served as a means to the end of worship to God. Theology was, therefore, inseparable from the service of meeting practical needs. Not because it was presented as a mere prerequisite to practical aid. Much more than this low and disconnected approach, theology was both the ground and the goal of all aid. Dispelling dualistic tendencies in thinking and training people in the biblical principles of living life, holistically, to the glory of God—at all times, in all places, and in every endeavor—characterized the Genevan social reform.

These biblical ideals were unleashed in Geneva with tremendous effect. People began to see life differently. With new purpose and new meaning, through the gospel, came a new value of work, new principles of stewardship, and a new understanding of the transforming means of grace, which not only give a man a new ability, but also a new motive.

David Hall summarizes the welfare reform with the following principles:

• It was only for the truly disadvantaged.
• Moral prerequisites accompanied assistance.
• Private or religious charity, not state largesse, was the vehicle for aid.
• Ordained officers managed and brought accountability.
• Theological underpinnings were normal.
• A productive work ethic was sought.
• Assistance was temporary.
• History is valuable