Calvin's argument is that there is a law against the idea of a visible image of God. In this sense, he certainly seems to focus on the many Church icons, paintings, sculptures, even stained glass windows of Roman Catholic churches, many of which seem to portray God as a sort of bearded old man. Calvin sees this as inherently wrong, perhaps even evil. "Whoever Sets Up Idols Revolts Against the True God" (Book I, l. 11). He goes on to explosion the very concept of God. It is not something preached by ministers, but it comes with the human spirit, part of human existence itself: "The Knowledge of God Has Been Naturally Imprinted in the Minds of Men" (Book I, l.3).
We can clearly see the ultra-conservatism in Calvin's Christian beliefs when he explains the fall of Adam and Eve, and the expulsion from Eden as a "curse" and that, as a result, "Man Has Now Been Deprive of Freedom of Choice" (Book II, l. 2). It is in the continuation of that same line that one can easily disagree with what we now call Calvinist dogma; namely, that man is "Bound Over to Miserable Servitude". This is not as a servant of God (a phrase many ministers and priests would ascribe to). Instead, Calvin gives no credit to Mankind whatsoever, using the term "Man's Corrupt Nature" (Book II, l.3). It is interesting to note that this "corrupt nature" theme is aimed at the "Papists" who, Calvin feels, boast about their religion too much. "Refutation of the False Accusations by Which the Papists Try to Cast Odium Upon This Doctrine" (Book III, l. 16). It would seem that here Calvin follows Luther's damning of the Bishop Tetzels and others of Catholicism who troll for monetary donation to assure a place in heaven for human sinners.
The main theme seems to be an anti-Catholic (as well as a small "catholic") argument against the pomp and majesty of the religion that worships idols and figures, and seems to promise everyone a "happy ending." By that, Calvin im...