How to read John Calvin
We've something of a Calvin Special on tomorrow's Sunday Sequence. If you haven't already heard (where have you been?), 2009 is the 500th anniversary of the French Reformer's birth. John Calvin is often described as "the father of Presbyterianism", and some 70 million Reformed Christians around the world are certainly part of his continuing legacy. In this week's special, I make a visit to Geneva, the city most associated with the Reformer's story, in a quest for the historical Calvin. Yale historian Bruce Gordon talks to us about his new biography of Calvin, and we debate the Reformer's ideas -- from predestination to the Protestant work ethic -- with the evangelical feminist theologian , from the Institute of Ideas, and , former principal of Highland Theological College. How should we read John Calvin's work today? What does it mean to be a "Calvinist" in the 21st century? And where would Calvin stand on today's great theological and cultural debates?
If you would like to break into Calvin's writings, is hosting a through book IV of Calvin's magnum opus, The Institutes of the Christian Religion. Gordon Mikoski introduces the reading plan , and explains their focus on the last section of Calvin's book. You can also join the online discussion about Calvin's ideas on the Seminary's dedicated .
Comment number 1.
At 29th Aug 2009, dennisjunior1 wrote:William:
Thanks for the excellent report about John Calvin and his, semi-show about
him on the next episode of W&T......
=Dennis Junior=
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Comment number 2.
At 30th Aug 2009, pastorphilip wrote:Thought this morning's piece on Calvin was both interesting and very balanced. Thanks to Bert, Will and the rest of the SS team.
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