This week in Christian history: Geneva burns heretic, first Presbyterian woman ordained

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, October 24, 2021

Michael Servetus burned at the stake – Oct. 27, 1553

Michael Servetus (1511-1553), a physician and theologian executed by the Protestant leadership of Geneva for his heretical viewpoints, especially a rejection of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when the Reformation-dominated Geneva Council had controversial physician Michael Servetus burned at the stake for heresy.

A native of Spain who was known for medical practice, Servetus had made enemies of both the Roman Catholic Church and Protestants for his various claims, including a denial of the Holy Trinity and his belief that he himself was the Michael described in the Bible books of Daniel and Revelation.

While fleeing persecution in France, Servetus was in John Calvin’s Geneva and was arrested by authorities, condemned to be executed for heresy, and finally burned at the stake.

“Geneva's action led to an immediate controversy among reformers whether it is right for a reformation church to execute heretics,” noted Christianity.com.

“Most said it was not. Calvin took a lot of heat for his role in the denunciation, trial and execution of Servetus and was not always honest in his account of what had happened.”