Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 Volume Set)

Customer Reviews:

Calvin is the best personal theological trainer I have ever found. Don't listen to the naysayers!.......2007-05-07

What can I tell you? John Calvin helped me get my spiritual compass pointing north again! He got the flab and plaque out of my man-centered doctrine and whipped it into God and Christ-honoring shape! Reading his 'Institutes' was like getting a top-flight seminary-level education for fifty bucks. (except that unlike seminary, Calvin will strengthen your faith, not undermine it)

There are those who pick up the 'Institutes' for the first time and read it in the same way they pick up a Bible for the first time and read it. With preconceived notions and without the right historical (and spiritual) context. "It's too hard to understand. Too many words. Not relevant enough! Doesn't help me with my immediate problem(s). Doesn't add to the discussion (or debate). What is he talking about here, and why? He sure sounds intolerant! Have you got anything else?"

The Bible was not written in a vacuum and neither was Calvin's Institutes. When you realize the unbelievably adverse historical and personal circumstances Calvin did his pastoral and theological work under, you marvel that he even had strength or will to write letters to his friends and even to princes, let alone lengthy biblical commentaries and bulky catechetical tomes (which is what Institutes is). So it's only natural that his works have frequent references to some of those volatile situations and events and important, paradigm-shifting movements going on at the time, and the persons living (and dead) who were his most vociferous enemies. Read Paul's and Peter's epistles and the Gospels (and even the Psalms!). They are peppered with denunciatory remarks aimed at their enemies. Biblical faith and Christianity are not for pansies, cowards or the faint of heart. Straight talk and direct verbiage based on unchanging truth will defeat error, heresy and the wiles of the devil to encourage struggling believers and bring comfort and relief to sincere seekers.

If you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and the patience to remember that Calvin's Institutes was written first in Latin, then in French, then translated into English (and several other languages later)--and written nearly 500 years ago in a world much different from ours--then you will find an endless supply of useful and supremely-relevant spiritual wisdom and supernaturally-profound insights that will strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding and appreciation of the Scriptures and the unfolding of God's revelation to man throughout history, much more than you thought possible, and probably more than with any other book on systematic theology, ancient or modern.

Let it never be said that Calvin's Institutes should be placed on a par with the Bible or that it is free of error and infallible! I do, however feel totally confident in saying that, for a better understanding of the historical development of Christian doctrine, especially during that epochal and turbulent period called "The Great Reformation," and for a more established perception of what is biblical and unbiblical in a world of proliferating opinions and conflicting positions on matters of religion and faith, Calvin's Institutes is invaluable. It belongs in every Christian's library, period!

Disappointment.......2007-05-01

I feel like Institutes was a major let down for three reasons.

#1 Calvin does not add any value to the ongoing theological conversation
Please, please, please provide any comments to the contrary. I would love to hear them. But from where I stand, I fail to see where Calvin brings anything to the table in terms of thorough research, wrestling with issues, and trying to discover the true meaning of the text. Maybe I'm spoiled in that I went from reading N.T. Wright's COQG series to Institutes, but whereas I feel that Wright has actually advanced the conversation including doing the hard digging for evidence, I feel that Calvin has taken the easy way out and given us a meandering polemic full of speculation.

Most of the book is a rant against various heresies of the day but he rarely provides quality reasoning that makes any sense. I believe this is because the Bible doesn't address all the issued that Calvin wants it to address. But that is, I think, the number one mistake of biblical interpretation: Forcing the Bible to address issues it was never meant to address.

In business they have the phrase "to add value." A product goes from being manufactured to being in a warehouse to being sold in a retail store. The manufacturing plant and retail store are general considered to add value to the product. The warehouse is not. The manufacturing plant adds value by putting various zero-value parts together to make something of value, thus adding value to the parts. The retail store adds value to the product for the consumer by getting it to them in an efficient way. The warehouse is just a place where you store extra product while waiting for retail to request it. Value got added on the assembly line, then it was in a holding pattern in the warehouse and then value got added at the retail point of sale. I see Calvin's Institutes as a warehouse in the production of theology. He adds nothing to the conversation.

#2 Calvin is an expert at saying a lot without really saying anything
This particular problem makes a review especially difficult. During my reading and as I think back, I'm trying desperately to see somewhere that Calvin has actually done the work of a theologian and helped readers to understand God better. I can't come up with a single quote, passage, chapter, or part that I would recommend to anyone. I can come up with more than a few where I just have to stop and say, "Where the hell is he getting this from. Here is a quote from Book I chapter 15 that sounds like it is right out of Plato, not (Sola) Scriptura,

"Furthermore, that man consists of a soul and a body ought to be beyond controversy... Now I understand by the term `soul' and immortal yet created essence, which is his nobler part. It is of course true that while men are tied to earth more than they should be they grow dull... Now the very knowledge of God sufficiently proves that souls, which transcend the world, are immortal, for no transient energy could penetrate to the fountain of life."

Beyond controversy? Nobler part? More than they should be? Sufficiently proves? Transient energy? Clearly this is straight out of the 16th century. If you talked this way in today's theological discourse you wouldn't get published, but rather laughed at.

And by the way, forget Plato. That quote sounds like it is straight out of the newly released Gospel of Judas and fits in line with nearly every one of the Nag Hammadi texts (sometimes called extra-canonical gospels such as Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Mary, etc.). Compare Calvin's quote above with this one out of Judas, "But you will exceed all of them. For you will sacrifice the man that clothes me." It seems the Calvin had fallen back, at least partially, into the Gnosticism that the early church fathers had battled so hard to avoid.

This is obviously an example of something I just simply disagree with Calvin on, but the point is that Calvin assumes all this but provides no support. The larger point is perhaps that he doesn't provide much of anything I can either agree or disagree with. He just doesn't say much. Any support he does provide is in the form of proof-texts stretched way further than they were ever meant to go. To sum up this point, Calvin reminds me of those professor's (we all had at least one) in college who would talk for like an hour and a half, and after you got out of the class, you'd ask yourself, "Did he actually say anything whatsoever in all that time?"

#3 Calvin addresses issues that are irrelevant today.
Throughout the book, Calvin addresses numerous little "disagreements" he is having with what he would consider fools. The majority of these not even considered issues to be debated any longer today. Though in the 16th century he may have been arguing against real person, his book today argues against a straw man, or I should say an army of straw men. This goes along with point #1.

Calvin Institutes.......2006-03-15

very good volume of the Institutes with lots of footnotes. a must for any Calvinist or those looking to broaden their knowledge of Calvinism and what it is all about

A Brilliant Christian Thinker.......2006-03-06

John Calvin is a controversial figure in the history of thought. The main intellectual architect of the Protestant Reformation, his influence casts a shadow over everything from the Wars of Religion to the English Civil War, to the bitter split in Western Christendom between the Catholic Church and Protestantism, which continues today.

However contemporaries describe Calvin as a fairly meek and mild figure; prone to poor health and fits of coughing, Calvin died at a fairly early age by modern standards. Yet during this time he was remarkably productive, producing his brilliant magnum opus 'The Institutes of Christian Religion', his commentaries on the Bible, creeds and catechisms, as well as taking a very active life in the form of both theologian and public administrator.

Calvin's controversy comes from a certain part of his systematic theology, predestination. The logic of predestination is this; if God is omnipotent and omniescent, it is a logical necesscity that God forsaw the fall of Adam and Eve and of all of humanity. Since the Bible seems to indicate only those in Jesus Christ will be saved, it seems God has pre-destined most of humanity to eternal damnation to hell for original sin, even before they are born.

Predestination in fact does not form the central focus of Calvin's theology itself, at least as much as it did in later Calvinists. However Calvin simply felt he was returning to the theology of Augustine, which he felt (asides from the unhealthy influence of Platonism and Manicheiasm on his thought) largely got Christian theology correct. Similar positions to Calvin can also be found particularly in St Anselm and also in Jansen, before the Reformation.

Whatever the role of predestination, Calvin aimed to produce a new systematic theology which was truer to the Bible than corrupt scholastic Catholicism had been, in much the same spirit as Luther, though Calvin is more logical and systematic than Luther, having recieved a far better liberal education in the form of his humanistic studies and Law background. He is also an excellent biblical exegete, and one of the first modern exegetes who pays close attention to the original Hebrew of the text and its literal meaning, something neglected since the time of Origen and St Jerome. It is no doubt in the spirit of Calvin that Protestantism produces some of the greatest bible scholars and commentators who healthily remind other Christians to pay close attention to the Bible and its context, before wandering off into other roads.

Yet I also feel Calvin's legacy has some great weaknesses; his attachment to Augustine's rigid predestination is hard to defend when now we know the majority of the world's peoples don't know or never knew Christ at all, and that many religions have very different concepts of God or reality than the Christian one. His instances of religious intolerance and bigotry, particularly towards Catholics, and his brutal heartlesseness towards the 'heretic' Michael Servetus (noted with particular disgust by the Protestant historian Edward Gibbon) in allowing him to be executed, are certainly not in my view exemplars of behaviour to be allowed in society today. He was also in many ways blind to the beauty and power of Philosophy, seeing that humanity was hopelessly lost and corrupt in ignorance outside of what revelation could teach, a position I find hard to accept given the remarkable progress the human mind has made in understanding our own nature and that of the universe.

Despite these reservations, Calvin is a brilliant mind who sheds much new light on Christian theology and is a pivotal figure during the time of the Reformation, and cannot be ignored by any student of this period of history.

Please read why I give this book one star (it deserves less).......2005-11-30

I have the Institutes and I have read with careful atention Calvin`s Doctrine of Salvation. He teaches pretty well some christian truths. He uses the bible and the church fathers, but when Calvin gives his (or Luther`s) peculiar teachings, he shows how unchristian his doctrine really is by NOT quoting a single NT text or church father to support what is nothing more than an heretic view. Just to give an example: he teaches in this book that the good works of the christian stink, smell horrible, but Calvin doesn`t give a single quote from the NT or the fathers to support this view. His teaching is clearly anti biblical. One more: When he teaches about Righteousness he never quotes Matthew 5:20. In this text Jesus tells us that if our justice is not superior than the scribes' we won`t enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Justice for Matthew is good work of love for God and the needy (Mt 6:1). Calvin simply doesn`t quote this biblical text, and just read his commentary on his "Harmony of the Gospels" and you will see how in some 29 lines Calvin just run from the simple sense of this text, and that`s because Mt 5:20 goes against his doctrine (salvation by faith alone).
Calvin taught that salvation can`t be lost, even tough this doctrine wasn`t taught by the church fathers (not even by Augustine). Read Daniel Corner`s Conditional Security of the believer"
Yes you will find in this book his classic insult to God: that He has predestined some people to hell. And Calvin`s use of violence to support his views is well known. Let`s reread the Bible without Calvin`s lens.

Institutes of the Christian Religion (Two Volumes in One)

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Protestant Opus
What are they putting in the water in Colorado?
Calvin's Institutes / worth reading the actual writings of Calvin
This Translation is Often Overlooked
Very confusing religious opinion

Institutes of the Christian Religion (Two Volumes in One)
John Calvin
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802881661

Customer Reviews:

Protestant Opus.......2006-10-25

A lot of people think they know John Calvin. This work is the best summary of his theology anywhere and the best way to get into the mind of the great reformation leader. There is no better summary of reformation theology anywhere. Calvin's writing style is challenging but flowing and rich with rewards. It will help you formalize as a protestant what you believe and why you believe it. The serious theologian must not overlook this Opus of Protestant theology.

What are they putting in the water in Colorado?.......2006-03-29

I would have to say that it is sadly not surprising that Liza and Mr. Oshell respond to Calvin's Institutes in the manner found in each of their reviews. As mentioned by J. Oh, the primary problem is that there are many commonly held misconceptions about Calvin and many different views on what it means to be a Christian. Let me start off by saying that I readily admit that the Institutes are not an easy read. But neither is the Bible, nor most things of substance. The time and style in which the books were written only compound the problem for modern readers (though this translation does much to remedy the situation). I think no doctrine is so commonly misunderstood as predestination. First, it should be noted that predestination is not, despite what Oshell and Liza claim, a creative interpretation out of line with Christian thought. In fact some have argued, and I tend to agree, many aspects of it were held by the early church fathers as may be witnessed in their attacks on Pellagianism. In other words, predestination was considered a central part of Christianity since the time of Christ. Second, the opposite understanding leads to the conclusion that salvation is based upon our own acts, which is perhaps the greatest example of the sin of pride--putting one's self above God. Third, no where in the Bible can one find anything against the notion of predestination. Finally, predestination is specifically mentioned several times in the Bible including Ephes. 1:3-5; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Acts 4:27-28. In addition, there are countless other mentions of God's foreknowledge and Christ's choosing us prior to our choosing Him throughout the Bible. Simply because the modern churches are too caught up in the feel good message of "be a good person and be saved" or the more subtle message of "God will reward you for your faith," when improperly understood, does not at all attack the substance of the Biblically sound doctrine of predestination.

The legalistic manner (including the near overclassification of his theological subject) in which the Institutes are written is a better explination why many modern Christians have difficulty following Calvin...this I feel is the only place where his humanistic/legalistic background impedes his work; for the logical and precise exegises of the Bible does not always require as much classification. That being said, however, in some respects it is this very thuroughness that makes the Institutes a must read.

Also, finally in response to the notion that predestination = salvation by chance...I might suggest reading Jonathan Edwards' "Freedom of the Will" wherein is made a forceful argument that it is the lack of predestination which leads to salvation by pure chance.

Calvin's Institutes / worth reading the actual writings of Calvin.......2005-10-27

I found this book to be accessible despite the fact it was written and translated so long ago.It was also worthwhile finally reading Calvin's original writing and so many references made to him and his views in other contexts.

This Translation is Often Overlooked.......2005-09-17

Unfortunately this translation of Calvin's 'Institutes' is often overlooked due to the more popular translation from Battles. However, this is an excellent translation of Calvin's most famous work and given its age (first published in 1845), it is surprisingly modern - due in part to this very edition which has been 'tweaked' into a more modern verbiage.

This 'tweaking' in no way has diminished, however, the wonderful job Beverage did in translating this work. From what I have been told by several Latin scholars and theologians, and having studied Latin myself, Calvin's Latin is not a walk in the park. That being the case, once you read this translation, you can see why Beverage did such a great job.

The one feature I like best about this translation is the fact that it is well footnoted for the researcher and reader. Therefore, this translation is well documented for further research into Calvin's thought. This also helps to clear up difficulties of translation (remember Calvin's Latin is very tough). At certain points in Calvin's work, his thought via a solid translation gets confusing for scholars, this edition has footnotes detailing these difficulties, and that makes for a better read.

Now, about Calvin's 'Institutes' This work is Calvin's Opus and gives the reader the best information regarding Calvin's thoughts on the Church and Church Government, Calvin's hermeneutic, Calvin's theology of God, Calvin's epistemology, Calvin's Soteriology, the benefits of the grace of Christ, his views on the Papacy (of his day), the Roman Catholic Church, the current state of Christendom, and much more. The interesting thing about this work (the Institutes), it is not Calvin's definitive work on the theology of predestination. Calvin actually wrote several other works which deal only with that subject and present a far better assessment of his theology behind predestination (see Calvin's treatise titled "Concerning the Eternal Predestination of God," and Calvin's response to Pighius titled "The Bondage and Liberation of the Will.")

But, for the best overview of Calvin's thought on the Church and theology, the Institutes is the work to read. Beverage's translation is a great work. It is introduced by the reformed theologian John Murray, it has a general index in the back of the work, and reads very much in modern verbiage. I highly recommend this edition.

Very confusing religious opinion.......2005-06-02

I agree with Mr. Oshell on almost every point. I find John Calvin, in this writing, and in many others, confused about what he really believes. He speaks of 'justification', 'sanctification', regeneration', 'grace', even 'faith', but cannot seem to come to an agreement with himself as to what these important terms mean. After reading a good amount of the Institutes, I think John Calvin thought they all meant the same thing. But of course, according to Calvinism, knowing about these things was ever meant for most of the world anyway, and knowledge of them doesn't make any difference to anyone's eternal destiny, so really, what does it matter who does or doesn't understand these terms? The reader might find his eyes spinning in his head after a short while. Much philosophy indeed....

John Calvin, like Calvinist writers in general, must of necessity give opposite meanings to the words of the living God in Scripture in order to teach what it is they believe, "Calvinism". But I think any true 'believer' should be horrified by Calvin's notion that salvation and damnation of individuals are utterly left to chance, a decision already made by God for each of us before the foundation of the world, and most importantly, arbitrary in regard to "faith". God merely made the decision without any regard to His foreknowledge of a person's faith or lack of faith in Christ. Unbelievable. But this teaching comes from Calvin's belief that there IS no condition for salvation, that faith in Christ is not necessary for those 'elected' by God to salvation in eternity past. God, they say, simply "gives the gift of faith" to the ones He has already elected to salvation (making them meet the apparent condition for salvation (faith) in John 3:16-18). To hell with the rest, literally.

Is it any wonder that Calvinism has never enjoyed any peace in Christian circles? The 'goodwill' of Calvinism's gospel is simply not meant to be goodwill to 'all'.

As for spiritual deception, Mormonism and the Watchtower Organization can't hold a candle to the brilliant deceptions of Calvinism. Let me emphasize "BRILLIANT". Calvin's Institutes turns truth on its head. Just do as the Bereans did and never fail to compare what Calvin says in his Institutes with the word of God to see if they are in agreement. What I found in Mr. Calvin's writings was 'the word of men' we read about in 1 Thes 2:13.

It is difficult for me to accept the fact that otherwise intelligent men would even 'want' to believe Calvin's horrible teachings. But its true, one's faith is a thing of the heart, and we can all believe whomever and whatever we want (I made the free will choice to reject John Calvin's teachings).

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Don't forget your mother!
Huge Omission
Excellent, as far as it goes!
Excellent, as far as it goes!
excellent synopsis of Calvin's most important work

Calvin's Institutes
Jean Calvin , and Donald K. McKim
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0664222986

Customer Reviews:

Don't forget your mother!.......2003-03-03

This book completely leaves out Calvin's fourth book, his treatment of the church. My suspicion is it was omitted because Calvin's doctrines didn't line up with those of the publisher. This ignoring of the doctrine of the church reinforces the erroneous idea that the body of Christ is insignificant when Calvin himself considered the Church our Mother.

Huge Omission.......2003-03-03

This book completely leaves out Calvin's fourth book, his treatment of the church. My suspicion is it was omitted because Calvin's doctrines didn't line up with those of the publisher.

Excellent, as far as it goes!.......2000-12-23

I bought this little book to help me teach a class on Book IV of the Institutes. But guess what? It only covers Books I-III. Book IV basically deals with Calvin's concept of the Church and Sacraments, so this little book will not be found too helpful if you're in the same position as me. However, the book is an excellent help on Books I-III. Very graphically oriented; it teaches just by means of its formatting! I'd like to know why the editors didn't include Book IV. Would it be that they are Baptists and Calvin's views challenge theirs?

Excellent, as far as it goes!.......2000-12-23

I bought this little book to help me teach a class on Book IV of the Institutes. But guess what? It only covers Books I-III. Book IV basically deals with Calvin's concept of the Church, so this little book will not be found too helpful if you're in the same position as me. However, the book is an excellent help on Books I-III. Very graphically oriented; it teaches just by means of its formatting! I'd like to know why the editors didn't include Book IV.

excellent synopsis of Calvin's most important work.......1998-10-26

This study guide provides an excellent synopsis of Calvin's magnum opus, written to set forth the basics of protestant theology as well as to defend Protestant beliefs as thoroughly scriptual. Mark Devries gives a very thorough and clear summary of each major section of this voluminous work along with a commentary which not only reinforces Calvin's main thesis for each section but also discusses how modern readers react to Calvin's position. Margin notes provide plenty of direct quotes from the original work as well as scripture supporting the main ideas of each section. The biographical sketch and commentary also lay out the historical context in which Calvin's work was written, deepening one's understanding of the Protestant Reformation and Calvin's seminal role in it. This is the first of the Shepard's Notes series I have read but I plan to read others. It is a great summary for those who want to understand the major points of a classic theological work without wading through the original text but would also enhance and facilitate the study of the original if read alongside it. By the way, Devries has also written the Shepard's Notes study guide for Augustine's Confessions.

Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life

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Amazing Read!
Place this little booklet next to your Bible....
A great tool for spiritual mentoring.
Wow, What a Life-Changing Book!
A Necessary Apologetic to Today's "Word-Faith" Heresies

Golden Booklet of the True Christian Life
John Calvin
Manufacturer: Baker Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0801065283
Release Date: 2004-12-01

Book Description

In this classic devotional, John Calvin urges readers to apply the Christian life in a balanced way to mind, heart, and hand. Rather than focusing on contemplative otherworldliness, the book stresses the importance of a devotedly active Christian life. In style and spirit, this book is much like Augustine's Confessions, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, or Thomas Kempis's Imitation of Christ. However, its intense practicality sets it apart, making it easily accessible for any reader seeking to carry out Christian values in everyday life. Chapter themes include obedience, self-denial, the significance of the cross, and how we should live our lives today.

Customer Reviews:

Amazing Read!.......2005-09-28

This book is written with sincerety and is heavily weighted in Biblical truth. It weaves together solid intellectual thought with a wholehearted drive for practicality.

Besides being worth its weight in gold, it is actually quite an easy read! This is a true gem pulled out of the period of the Reformation, and highly recommended for Christians of our era!

Place this little booklet next to your Bible...........2003-09-13

This section from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion makes one hungry for more. Modern writers cannot hold a candle to the depth of Christ-knowledge that our older brothers had. Indeed, we are in a time of spiritual declension. But Calvin, Knox, Spurgeon, A.W. Pink, Asahel Nettleton, and others were "meat", whereas almost all of the latest titles available at the local "Christian" bookstore are mere "dessert"- sweet (sounding), but in the end empty, and unable to satisfy. No substance to them. I will say this as politely as possible: Put away your Max Lucado and your "Left Behind" (false eschatology) and get into God's Word, and then go and see how God taught the ancients. These men were not focused on making men "feel" good about themselves. No Arminian lightweights were they. If you read this booklet, and its content does not resonate within your soul, then you will have reason to fear that you have not learned Christ aright. This booklet is required reading for all in my household. Read it and see why.

May I also recommend www.graceonlinelibrary.org

A great tool for spiritual mentoring........2003-02-01

This thin little book is no lightweight. It's a Trojan horse that delivers timeless substance from the Scriptures on how to think about and live the Christian life. It reaches head and heart, and so is extremely practical--without being a simplistic "how-to" book. I have used it in a number of one-on-one discipling relationships; its small size makes it manageable and appealing to busy people, but God uses its substantive and convicting teaching to affect lives. Buy a copy for yourself and another for someone you care about, and get ready for sharpening discussions.

Wow, What a Life-Changing Book!.......2002-11-23

How do you review a book such as this one? When I first read this book several years ago, it changed the way I thought and lived the Christian life. Now, rereading it some years later, it reminds me of just how foundational it was in my way of thinking of "the Christian life". Especially in the way it taught me (and others through me who I teach) how important and "normal" is suffering in the true Christian life. It is through suffering God conforms us to the image of Christ.

This is a volume taken from the third volume of 'Calvin's Institutes' and has been incredibly helpful for Christians for over 400 years! One of the things you will find about this book is how extremely easy it is to understand it, as well as practical (in fact it is almost like it was written yesterday). Oftentimes, it is easy to think that a book written originally in the 16th century would be both difficult and impractical! However, this book is biblically crystal clear as well as useful! I have given this book away often and I have only seen growth in those to whom I have given it! May it be a new book for you, or one you buy again for a friend.

A Necessary Apologetic to Today's "Word-Faith" Heresies.......1999-08-30

Calvin is the master exegete. Calvin pastors his readers with a glimpse into the eternal purposes of suffering. The author encourages the suffering saint to see that Jesus Christ was the ultimate suffering servant and that our temporal afflictions are sent from God to cause us to rely on Christ and promote obedience, sobriety, righteousness and godliness. The book is a quick, understandable read as it is a distillation of portions of his "Institutes." This work should dispel the false notion that all that interests Calvin is predestination!

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Invaluable Resource!

John Calvin's Ideas
Paul Helm
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0199255695

Book Description

This is a major study of the theological thought of John Calvin, which examines his central theological ideas through a philosophical lens, looking at issues in Metaphysics, Epistemology, and Ethics. The study, the first of its kind, is concerned with how Calvin actually uses philosophical ideas in his work as a theologian and biblical commentator. The book also includes a careful examination of those ideas of Calvin to which the Reformed Epistemologists appeal, to find grounds and precedent for their development of `Reformed Epistemology', notably the sensus divinitatis and the internal testimony of the Holy Spirit.

Customer Reviews:

Invaluable Resource!.......2007-01-30

Paul Helm has offered a one-of-a-kind work of scholarship in this book. It is one of the *very* few books that provides an in-depth treatment of John Calvin's ideas in light of contemporary analytic philosophy and philosophical theology. It is an undertaking on par with Eleanore Stump's treatment of St. Thomas in her book "Aquinas".

Calvin is mostly known for his views on predestination, but Helm does him a service by bringing to light Calvin's views on a variety of other topics (for those who are concerned, there is still a chapter on free will). And while Calvin did not often address the writings of other philosophers head-on, Helm points out many instances where Calvin has been influenced by philosophers and theologians, both ancient and contemporary to Calvin.

Helm also gives a critical analysis of contemporary scholarship that relates to Calvin, primarily in what has come to be known as "Reformed Epistemology" headed up by Alvin Plantinga and Nicholas Wolterstorff. His treatment of such topics is spread throughout the book, being addressed in light of the current topic being discussed. For example, in the discussion of epistemology, Helm argues that Calvin should be understood as a sort of evidentialist as opposed to what Reformed epistemologists have attributed to him. Likewise, he offers a compatibilist reading of Calvin on free will, in contrast with the sometimes 'hard determinist' interpretation when it comes to the contemporary debate over free will.

This book is a goldmine for students of philosophy, theology, and John Calvin. The price is a little hefty, but it can be justified considering there is really nothing else out there that even comes close to dealing with these topics the way Helm does.

Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Christian Worship Today (Calvin Institute for Christian Worship Liturgical Studies)

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Inspiring

Discerning the Spirits: A Guide to Thinking About Christian Worship Today (Calvin Institute for Christian Worship Liturgical Studies)

Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802839991

Book Description

Christian worship in North America has undergone great change in recent years. But change always brings uncertainty — at times even division — about what constitutes "authentic worship." This important book reviews a wide variety of current perspectives and offers a fresh outlook on the contemporary practice of Christian worship.

In order to provide the widest, most insightful discussion on present-day worship practices yet assembled, the authors gathered a team of church musicians, ministers, worship leaders, and educators from eight church traditions. "Discerning the Spirits" is the fruit of their work. Shaped by the wisdom of men and women like Marva Dawn, Justo Gonzalez, C. Michael Hawn, and John Witvliet, this book broadens today's "worship wars" into a bigger, richer discussion that moves from arguments over musical tastes to good thinking about the overall purpose of worship in relation to church life and God himself. Sidebar articles and quotes are meant to draw readers and study groups into dialogue on these issues.

Whether one plays a leadership role in church worship or is simply grappling with questions about it, "Discerning the Spirits" is a must-read.

Customer Reviews:

Inspiring.......2004-01-06

One might be tempted, reading the newspapers or listening to news broadcasts, to think the most pressing issues of the church today revolve around issues of sexuality and gender. James White of Drew University states that this is not so, but rather the most pressing questions revolve around appropriate styles and functions for worship in the Christian context. In many ways, from this all else derives.

Cornelius Plantinga Jr. is president of Calvin Theological Seminary in Michigan, and Sue A. Rozeboom is a doctoral student at Notre Dame - together they have put together a collection of essays and articles addressing the history, theology and practice of worship in Christian churches. Drawing on many with long experience in congregational leadership and development, Plantinga and Rozeboom have put together a collection of thought-provoking and practice-inspiring articles.

Each of the offerings is short and to the point; for example, Dorothy Sayers is included among the authors, and her piece on The Greatest Drama Ever Staged, taken from her classic book `Creed or Chaos'; other authors such as Justo L. Gonzalez and Marva J. Dawn have several entries, relating in different ways to Hispanic and African-American worship perspectives respectively.

It is difficult to classify Plantinga and Rozeboom as authors or editors, as in fact they serve a dual role. There is a basic narrative strand to each of the primary chapters, punctuated as it were with the articles from outside contributors as pull-quotes, side-bar and highlighting pieces. It is quite a unique arrangement, in which the articles included both speak for themselves as well as support the general theme of the chapters.

This is a text meant for congregations and church leaders; while it is helpful as a text book for those studying liturgy, worship and the culture of the church, the real strength of the text is in its ability to stimulate conversation, and inspire congregations to revisit their worship times as a communal experience shared by all. To that extent, the method of the text involves both community voice and leadership voice, without one overpowering or lessening the other. Worship is a communal action, a common experience, involving individuals who come together for a purpose and take away things both individual and shared.

The process of discernment is one in which wisdom is gained - the getting of wisdom is not a process that follows a prescribed, set pattern for all individuals or all communities of people, but there are general guidelines, and the authors gently lead the reader through the basic principles and practices for the understanding and growing in the life of faith.

In the final chapter, the authors make the statement that `Worship is narrative engagement with the triune God.' As with any statement like this, the terminology needs to be understood among all the participants - what is meant by worship? What does narrative mean? What does engagement look like, particularly with God? The discernment of worship is as much about taking care for the questions posed as developing answers, and leaving no details unexamined, while still holding in mind the overall purpose and unity. Christian worship is unity in diversity, no matter how homogeneous a congregation may seem; the experience of Christianity is a worldwide experience, stretching across the globe and across the millennia, going into a future both unsure of details and certain of promise. This book will help congregations discover their true calling as worshipping communities.

As a final note, a special word goes to the articles included from Frank Burch Brown, professor of culture and theology at my seminary, and Ted Gibboney, late of the seminary as director of chapel music and instructor of hymnody. These articles are good examples of the kind of personal and theological reflection that makes this text a useful and graceful text.

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Good introduction/review

Calvinism Light

A Handy and Easily Accessible Guide

Clear

Well written and easy to understand

Calvin for Armchair Theologians
Christopher Elwood
Manufacturer: Westminster John Knox Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0664223036

Book Description

In this concise introduction to Calvin's life and thought, Elwood offers an insightful and accessible overview of Calvin's key teachings within its historical context. This is an engaging look at an all-important theologian.

Customer Reviews:

Good introduction/review.......2007-03-27

While this book is not written as vibrantly as "The Reformation For Armchair Theologians" (Glenn S. Sunshine, 2005) and while many of the illustrations (cartoons) are not particularly helpful, still this is a valuable book for those who want an accurate, well-balanced, and relatively easy-to-understand account of the life and work of John Calvin. While probably too detailed for most laypersons, this volume should be quite useful for most seminary students, pastors, and religion professors who want a good introduction to, or review of, Calvin's life and his considerable contribution to Christian theology.

Calvinism Light.......2006-03-19

This is my second, but not my last, book in the "Armchair Theologian" series. The series, which has different authors but a common illustrator, seeks to render theology accessible to the layperson. It does so with plain language, a touch of good-natured humor, and sympathy for the theologian who is the subject of the book.

A biographer can approach his subject with sympathy or antipathy. Too much of either destroys objectivity, but a little sympathy enhances objectivity whereas a little antipathy tends to diminish it. So far, through books on St. Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin, the "Armchair Theologian" series has struck just the right amount of sympathy to enhance objectivity.

"Calvin" is not as light-hearted as "Aquinas," but Calvinism isn't the most light-hearted theology. Elwood argues that Calvin himself wasn't as gloomy as some of his later disciples became, but he still wasn't the kind of a guy you'd expect to be the life of the party. Nevertheless, the man had a profound influence on the growth of Christian theology. Read the book to see how.

A Handy and Easily Accessible Guide.......2005-12-17

"Who was John Calvin?" the author begins, "A humorless killjoy...?" too often that is how the great Reformer is viewed. And as a result, all too few people try to get to know him. Christopher Elwood writes this book in order to dispel some of the misconceptions. It is also a handy and easily accessible guide to the man who, along with Martin Luther, was at the forefront of the Reformation.

Dr. Elwood - who is Associate Professor of Historical Theology at Louisville Seminary - gives us a guidebook to the John Calvin the man and his message. Elwood traces Calvin's youth and education in the simplest of terms, and along the way, gives a broad overview of the other Protestant movement in Calvin's day.

Thereafter, the book shows the way that God led Calvin to Geneva, to a friendship with Guillaime Farel and the effect of that association upon the faith life of the city. Giving plenty of information in a clear narrative, Elwood help the reader see the inner workings of the renewal of the Church as guided by Calvin.

We are shown the leadership structure of the church and its' basis in Scripture. Then, Elwood provides us with a summary of the main topics in Calvin's great work "Institutes of the Christian Religion". I found the book particularly helpful, here, as Elwood showed that Calvin's approach toward theology stemmed from the view of Anselm: Theology is faith seeking understanding. So, Calvin's approach is to begin with belief; since it is the groundwork of a trusting relationship with God. Then, building upon that belief, we seek to know more and more about God and His will for humankind, including our own lives. If this sounds self-evident, it is because Calvin's view has become the prevalent view in the Presbyterian Church.

One of the best features of the book is the chapter called "Calvin's Children". It looks at those movements and ideas between the time of Calvin and our own time, which may or may not claim Calvin as their forebear. The book is generously illustrated with drawings that catch the spirit of the text, conveying information in a way that is lively and often humorous. It is part of "The Armchair Series" published by Westminster - John Knox Press that has grown to include titles about Augustine, Wesley, Luther, Aquinas and The Reformation.

If you find this review helpful you might want to read some of my other reviews, including those on subjects ranging from biography to architecture, as well as religion and fiction.

Clear.......2005-12-17

A nicely written sympathetic exposition of the basics of Calvin's thought and life. Very helpful on predestination. Essential background for understanding the Reformation well explained.

Well written and easy to understand.......2005-07-22

I am a seminary student and found Calvin for Armchair Theologians to be well written and easy to read. This is an excellent book and covers Calvin's life, theology and the effect on the post modern world. I would highly recommend it.

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Calvin and the Bible

Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0521838274

Book Description

During the past several decades a growing number of scholars have come to appreciate the importance of studying John Calvin's interpretive work as a commentator on Scripture in addition to his better-known writings on theology. In this volume ten essays by scholars specializing in Calvin's exegetical methods examine the approaches and themes Calvin emphasized when he interpreted major portions of Scripture. These essays focus on Calvin's work in his biblical commentaries with appropriate cross-referencing to his other writings, including his sermons. A concluding essay synthesizes the main features of what has gone before to present an overall view of John Calvin as an interpreter and commentator on Holy Scripture. An appreciation of Calvin's exegetical labors and his work as a biblical commentator are now recognized as key elements in Calvin scholarship.

Sex, Marriage, and Family Life in John Calvin's Geneva: Courtship, Engagement, and Marriage (Religion, Marriage and Family Series)

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Sex, Marriage, and Family Life in John Calvin's Geneva: Courtship, Engagement, and Marriage (Religion, Marriage and Family Series)
John Witte Jr. , and Robert M. Kingdon
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0802848036

Book Description

You wouldn't expect it from his dour reputation, but John Calvin transformed the Western concept of sex, marriage, and family life. This fascinating, even sensational volume comprehensively treats the new theology and law that Calvin and his fellow reformers established in sixteenth-century Geneva.

Calvin made marriage and divorce, children's welfare, and sexual sin matters of both church and state, and many of the reforms that he and others initiated — new rights and duties for wives in the bedroom, fault-based divorce on grounds of adultery and desertion, protection for impoverished widows, and more — have made their way into civil and common law traditions on both sides of the Atlantic.

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