The Life of John Calvin: A Modern Translation of the Classic by Theodore Beza

by Theodore Beza

The study of the life and thought of John Calvin is not merely the study of a figure who once graced the scene of history, but is also an important means of gaining a deeper understanding of the present. Even though comparatively few read Calvin's works today, his thought is subtly woven into the texture of modern Western society. Such diverse areas as the modern market economy, American civil religion and the French language, not to mention contemporary evangelicalism, have all been decisively shaped by the life and ideas of this Frenchman who has been rightly described as 'the theologian of the Reformation'. And although there have been a veritable multitude of articles and books on Calvin's life and thinking, this one by Theodore Beza retains a distinct uniqueness. It is the earliest life of the Reformer and was written within weeks of Calvin's death. Moreover, its author was one who intimately shared Calvin's labours and who, with Calvin and a band of other godly pastor, sought to create a Christian community in Geneva that would be known throughout Europe as a mirror of apostolic Christianity. As such, Beza's biography of his friend contains invaluable insights about the pathway of reformation and renewal.

Genres: Biography, Christianity, Christian, History, Church History, Religion, Nonfiction

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1909

About the author

Theodore Beza (Latin: Theodorus Beza; French: Théodore de Bèze or de Besze) was a French Reformed Protestant theologian, reformer and scholar who played an important role in the Reformation. He was a disciple of John Calvin and lived most of his life in Geneva. Beza succeeded Calvin as a spiritual leader of the Republic of Geneva, which was originally founded by John Calvin himself.

Reviews

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book!!! Wonderful!

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I found surprising, is how often Satan is referred to by Beza. Evidently, the Reformed of the 1500s knew of the enemy and his works and were not embarrassed to say so.

When is the last time you read a modern Reformed work that refers to the enemy as frequently?

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

This biography was written by a disciple of Calvin who became his successor in Geneva. The primary worth of the book is that it is written by someone who actually knew Calvin. It is accused as being a hagiography, but I honestly wish it was more of one. It gives a great sense of what Calvin did and the various controversies he faced, but little of his personality.

The book is pretty dry. I wouldn't recommend it as someone's first introduction to Calvin. It requires a lot of knowledge of the Reformation and Calvin's life. Despite it's faults, the book is an incredible resource. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to write on Calvin's life.

Beza's closeness to Calvin provides some valuable insight on two large events. The first is the section on the burning of Serverus. He provides context to how the decision was made and what Severus was actually like as a person. My favorite part was the long section of Calvin's dying days. You get a long section of his last will and testament along with some of his final prayers. The book was worth reading for those sections alone.

I will add the edition I had by Gary Sanseri had an introduction and addition content that just made me roll my eyes. Far more talk of socialists and communism than a book on Calvin should ever call for.

[Miles Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A worthwhile primary source on the life of the French Reformer. Beza's work is very good but also imperfect; the author imprints some of his own tendencies--especially a penchant for heresy hunting--on to Calvin. Still a necessary early biography and in many ways the first great one.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative on Calvin's life, but felt like it was more of a eulogy than a biography.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primary biographical sources like this one are a treasure, especially when the biographer was one of the closest friends of the person he wrote about, like this one. Beza's love for Calvin as a brother in Christ, a pastor, a friend, and fellow laborer is a blessing. An added bonus is Beza's summaries of all the written and spoken defenses Calvin did for true doctrine (including a complete list of every heretic or disputor that crossed paths with Calvin). I loved the (small!) section about his wife.

[Ryan Handermann]

There is a set of four lives of the reformers, but it is nto entirely translated: Vitae quattuor reformatorum. Included is this life of Calvin by Beza, A life of Luther by Melanchthon, a life of Melanchthon by Joachim Camerarius, and a life of Zwingli by Oswald Myconius. Anybody know where to find these translations?

[Anandkumaar]

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[Brenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first biography of Calvin, written by his successor.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good.