Coffee with Calvin: Daily Devotions

by Donald K. McKim

These eighty-four practical devotions offer an accessible look into the enduring theology of John Calvin. Each day's devotion presents a short excerpt from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, followed by a topical reflection by Donald K. McKim. The book is organized into eight sections and arranged for either daily or weekly devotional study. The sections are organized thematically, allowing readers the flexibility to delve into the topics they are most interested in. Readers will come away seeing Calvin as an eminently practical theologian with timeless insights into the Christian life.

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Theology

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2013

About the author

Donald K. McKim is an American Presbyterian theologian and editor. He works as Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press.

McKim studied at Westminster College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught at Memphis Theological Seminary and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

McKim is known for his 1979 book The Authority and Interpretation of the Bible: An Historical Approach. Co-authored with Jack B. Rogers, it was Eternity magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1980. In the book, Rogers and McKim argued that the Bible was infallible but not inerrant.

Donald Keith McKim was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Keith Beatty and Mary Alisan (Leslie) McKim.

Reviews

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is Calvin's Institutes in bite-size chunks. It does a good job of clarifying Calvin's theology (because there is probably no theologian more misunderstood than Calvin). The devotionals are more focused on the theological concepts than suggestions for personal application, and the book uses the pronoun "we" throughout which makes it feel a little less personal (because we don't know the author very well) than if the devotionals used the pronoun "you." That's at least my opinion. Either way, this was a solid devotional that does a good job surveying the basic theological thoughts of John Calvin.

I am counting this as "a book by a Presbyterian" for the 2016 #vtReadingChallenge

[Gary Paulson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Calvin’s writings do not usually conjure up thoughts of Daily Devotions to most people. This book looks like it will dispel any doubts that Calvin had a pastor’s heart and was a firm believer in having a practical faith and was not a proponent of cerebral doctrines.

My Blog: http://www.dogberrypatch.com/?p=4559

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this devotional full of the practical aspects of faith. Probably one of the easiest ways to delve into Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion.