Calvin: Theologian and Reformer

by Joel R. Beeke

This volume grows out of a conference at The John Owen Centre for Theological Study in London to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformer's birth. Topics covered include Calvin’s life and reforming work, his Institutes of the Christian Religion, aspects of his theology, and his commitment to revolutionary living and powerful preaching.

The contributors are Joel Beeke, Sinclair Ferguson, Ian Hamilton, Anthony Lane, Ray Pennings, and Paul Wells.

Editors Joel Beeke is a pastor of Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and President and Professor of Systematic Theology and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.

Garry Williams is Director of The John Owen Centre for Theological Studies at London Theological Seminary in England and Visiting Professor of Historical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia.

Endorsements "The quincentenary of Calvin’s birth last year produced a veritable host of books on the French Reformer, some tremendous, some so-so. This is one of the best, and no wonder: combine the richest themes of Calvin's theology and a stellar company of authors who know their subjects really well and you have the present volume. Truly a savory entrée of Calviniana!" - Michael Haykin

"Another book on Calvin? Yes! And welcome it is, for these addresses retain their spoken style and read like tracts encouraging us to view Scripture through Calvin’s lens—a perspective that proves itself more faithful as each anniversary of Calvin’s life or death passes by. Treasure!" - Derek Thomas

Genres: Theology

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2010

About the author

Dr. Joel R. Beeke serves as President and Professor of Systematic Theology, Church History, and Homiletics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. He has been in the ministry since 1978 and has served as a pastor of his current church, Heritage Reformed Congregation, since 1986. He is also editor of the Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, president of Inheritance Publishers, and vice-president of the Dutch Reformed Translation Society. He has written, co-authored, or edited fifty books and contributed over fifteen hundred articles to Reformed books, journals, periodicals, and encyclopedias. His Ph.D. (1988) from Westminster Theological Seminary is in Reformation and Post-Reformation Theology. He is frequently called upon to lecture at Reformed seminaries and to speak at conferences around the world. He and his wife, Mary, have three children: Calvin, Esther, and Lydia.

Reviews

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of essays on various aspects of Calvin's theology and life, put together in a format similar to "A Puritan Theology". It was a good collection especially if interested in the specific topics. It won't really be anything outstanding to Calvin scholars, nor will it be a good introduction to someone wanting to learn about Calvin, though it is a fair one. The most benefit will come from the extensive citations.

[Michael Burchfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative - I got this book at Christmas 2025 and read through it. Each chapter presents the Reformer from a different perspective. I found chapters 1, 2 and 7 most interesting. Chapter 3 on exploring Calvin's Institutes is also helpful for anyone who has never read the Institute's and would find a simple roadmap helpful.