CALVIN IN HIS OWN WORDS by Larry Stout
CALVIN IN HIS OWN WORDS by Larry Stout, 12/15/08
One of the most misunderstood and seriously unappreciated figures in Christendom will at least receive some notice in the coming year. John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509, which means 2009 will be the 500th anniversary of his birth. It is difficult to summarize the astounding influence of this man. Besides being one of the most formative thinkers in Christian theology, his influence in the public square is every bit as important. It could well be said that few others have impacted modern culture, from education, politics and even music as much as this man. It is also true that he has been greatly maligned for a variety of reasons, but rather than seek to defend Calvin, I believe he can say it better than I ever could.
Through the coming year, I would like to include in each PrayerNet a ‘Calvin Quote’ to acquaint those who are unfamiliar with his own words. Consider his attitude toward the Word: “We study with no less obedience than care to obtain a sound understanding of this passage (referring to Matthew 26:26 ‘This is my body…’), as we do in the whole of Scripture. And we do not with perverted ardor and without discrimination rashly seize upon what first springs to our minds. Rather, after diligently mediating upon it, we embrace the meaning which the Spirit of God offers. Relying upon it, we look down from a height at whatever of earthly wisdom is set against it. Indeed, we hold our minds captive, that they dare not raise even one little word of protest; and humble them, that they dare not rebel against it. (Reference: Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion 2, IV, Sec 25 (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, 1960). Would that we all approach God’s Word with such humility.
For those interested in research, there is a great wealth of good books on Calvin to draw from. Personally, I have been able to get some very good deals on these books through eBay and Christian Book Distributors.
Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion. There are two editions, one translated by Henry Beveridge, published by Eerdmans and the other quoted above translated by Ford Lewis Battles. Personally I believe Battles is the better translated, or at least, easier to understand.
Calvin’s Commentaries on the Bible, 22 volumes. I picked up my set on eBay for less than $100. One of the best investments of my life.
The Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World by David W. Hall (P & R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 2008). This short (112 page) volume is part of the Calvin 500 series, and an extremely useful introduction to the great man.
Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis edited by David W. Hall (P & R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 2008). An extremely good companion volume for those interested in reading the Institutes. Also part of the Calvin 500 series.
And for those who prefer the internet:
www.ccel.org/c/calvin/ The Christian Classics Ethereal Library includes 54 works by John Calvin online.
www.apuritansmind.com/Reformation/McMahonLongerOverviewCalvinsInstitutes.htm
An overview in summary form of the Institutes by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon. Very useful.
www.reformedsermonarchivs.com/calvintitle.htm The sermons of John Calvin online.
Good reading!!
One of the most misunderstood and seriously unappreciated figures in Christendom will at least receive some notice in the coming year. John Calvin was born on July 10, 1509, which means 2009 will be the 500th anniversary of his birth. It is difficult to summarize the astounding influence of this man. Besides being one of the most formative thinkers in Christian theology, his influence in the public square is every bit as important. It could well be said that few others have impacted modern culture, from education, politics and even music as much as this man. It is also true that he has been greatly maligned for a variety of reasons, but rather than seek to defend Calvin, I believe he can say it better than I ever could.
Through the coming year, I would like to include in each PrayerNet a ‘Calvin Quote’ to acquaint those who are unfamiliar with his own words. Consider his attitude toward the Word: “We study with no less obedience than care to obtain a sound understanding of this passage (referring to Matthew 26:26 ‘This is my body…’), as we do in the whole of Scripture. And we do not with perverted ardor and without discrimination rashly seize upon what first springs to our minds. Rather, after diligently mediating upon it, we embrace the meaning which the Spirit of God offers. Relying upon it, we look down from a height at whatever of earthly wisdom is set against it. Indeed, we hold our minds captive, that they dare not raise even one little word of protest; and humble them, that they dare not rebel against it. (Reference: Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion 2, IV, Sec 25 (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, 1960). Would that we all approach God’s Word with such humility.
For those interested in research, there is a great wealth of good books on Calvin to draw from. Personally, I have been able to get some very good deals on these books through eBay and Christian Book Distributors.
Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion. There are two editions, one translated by Henry Beveridge, published by Eerdmans and the other quoted above translated by Ford Lewis Battles. Personally I believe Battles is the better translated, or at least, easier to understand.
Calvin’s Commentaries on the Bible, 22 volumes. I picked up my set on eBay for less than $100. One of the best investments of my life.
The Legacy of John Calvin: His Influence on the Modern World by David W. Hall (P & R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 2008). This short (112 page) volume is part of the Calvin 500 series, and an extremely useful introduction to the great man.
Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes: Essays and Analysis edited by David W. Hall (P & R Publishing, Phillipsburg, NJ, 2008). An extremely good companion volume for those interested in reading the Institutes. Also part of the Calvin 500 series.
And for those who prefer the internet:
www.ccel.org/c/calvin/ The Christian Classics Ethereal Library includes 54 works by John Calvin online.
www.apuritansmind.com/Reformation/McMahonLongerOverviewCalvinsInstitutes.htm
An overview in summary form of the Institutes by Dr. C. Matthew McMahon. Very useful.
www.reformedsermonarchivs.com/calvintitle.htm The sermons of John Calvin online.
Good reading!!
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