The Churchman of Geneva
“We may be sure that the man who wanted no stone to mark his grave would want no festivities to mark the anniversary of his birth.” Iain Murray — John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine & Doxology
John Calvin: revered or reviled; lauded or loathed. Perhaps no figure of the sixteenth century is more controversial than John Calvin. This summer I picked up a collection of essays entitled John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine & Doxology. As the subtitle indicates, the essays range in topic from his role as theologian, Reformer, and pastor.
The first essay of the collection, ‘The Humility of Calvin’s Calvinism’ dispenses with notions of Calvin as an egotistical maniac. In the second essay, Derek Thomas provides an excellent biographical summary. There are great essays on Calvin’s preaching style and his doctrine of preaching. (Amazingly, Calvin preached without notes.) Other essays discuss other aspects of his theology including what would become TULIP. The last essay ‘The Communion of Men with God’ treats his doctrine and practice of prayer.
I did want to see more discussion of difficult aspects of John Calvin's life. However, on the whole, I think the essays gave a great overview of the life, ministry, and theology of John Calvin. I would definitely recommend this book to any who want a fuller picture of John Calvin, his devotion, doctrine, and doxology.
‘We cannot even open our mouths before God without danger unless the spirit instructs us in the right pattern of prayer. This privilege deserves to be more highly esteemed among us, since the only-begotten Son of God supplies words to our lips that free our minds from all wavering.’ John Calvin — Institutes of the Christian Religion.
