In 1536, John Calvin arrived in Geneva and began the formation of the Swiss Reformed Church, which was rooted in his theological writings, particularly the 'Institutes of the Christian Religion.' This movement established a theocratic model of governance in Geneva, where church and state were closely intertwined. Calvin's influence extended beyond Geneva, shaping Protestantism and contributing to the broader Reformation movement across Europe.

The formation of the Swiss Reformed Church in 1536 brought Calvinist theology to the forefront, influencing poets like Anne Bradstreet and John Milton. Their works often grappled with themes of divine providence and moral duty, reflecting the theological underpinnings of predestination and the human condition.