The Misdeeds of François Bourdon

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we delve into the scandalous life of François Bourdon, a wealthy bachelor in 16th-century Geneva. Consistory records paint a vivid picture of a man who repeatedly found himself on the wrong side of Calvin's moral courts. Bourdon faced multiple charges of debauchery, including several cases of illegitimate paternity, and even possession of a book of enchantments. Yet, despite his transgressions, Bourdon's punishments were surprisingly lenient.

This case offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of Genevan society under Calvin's rule. While the Consistory was known for its strict moral policing, Bourdon's story reveals how social status and marital status could influence judicial outcomes. His treatment stands in stark contrast to that of less privileged citizens accused of similar offenses, highlighting the inequalities that persisted even in Calvin's supposedly egalitarian Geneva. Join us as we explore this intriguing tale of privilege, morality, and justice in the heart of the Reformation.

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This historical popularization podcast is developed as part of the interdisciplinary project entitled "A semantic and multilingual online edition of the Registers of the Council of Geneva / 1545-1550" (RCnum) and developed by the University of Geneva (UNIGE), as part of funding from the Swiss National Scientific Research Fund (SNSF). For more information: https://www.unige.ch/registresconseilge/en.

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