Geneva is well known in Christian circles as the home of the 'continental reformation.' At least, I think that's what they called it in my Reformation Church History class. I sure wish I'd been to Rome and Geneva before I did the class, because it all crystalises when you walk the streets and stand in the cathedrals and see the springtime flowers they saw. Medieval catholicism was an appalling mix of excessive opulence, huge buildings designed to make ordinary people feel small, meaningless ritual and rank superstition. It continues today. Reformers like Calvin in Geneva reacted with a stern austerity that's really no fun at all. But the plain style of Geneva's buidlings, and unadorned style of dress made the contrast with Roman Catholic excess plain for all to see, which can only be a good thing. And you can't hide the beauty of the spring blooms.
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