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A Theological Guide to Calvin's Institutes (pbk): Essays and Analysis
This long-needed work serves as the natural companion to Calvins Institutes of the Christian Religion for classes, students, pastors, and others for years to come.
528 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2008
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121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 3, 2020
Just like any scholarly written compilation, there are stronger articles in the book and there are weaker ones. But, it is an excellent companion to Institutes and the theology found within. If you have a want to study the Institutes more deeply, then this book will help greatly! Highly recommended if you've already read the Institutes or are reading through them.
August 21, 2019
I could be wrong but I believe that this book is written for the academically inclined (of which I am not) than it is for the general reader (of which I most definitely am). With that said some of the essays are as difficult to read as Calvin's Institutes is.
July 30, 2019
It is not very often that I enjoy reading a book like this one, but this really is a very good introduction to Calvin’s Institutes and aid in reading it.
April 7, 2024
Very helpful companion piece to the Institutes. Has helpful portions drawing on commentaries as needed, which I think Calvin would have been glad to see!
January 12, 2017
Must read!
I used this book as a companion to my own reading of the Institutes. Although it doesn't account for every bit of Calvin's theology, (as no single volume could) it provides great insight to the major theological themes of the Institutes which must be grasped in order to understand the man.
Expositions of these themes are each supported with additional information that allows the reader to understand some of the ways in which Calvin's theology was inspired by the Scriptures, philosophers, church fathers, and his peers.
Some of the best Calvin scholars have contributed to this book. As a result, there is a wealth of resources that are recommended for those who wish to further their studies on various aspects of the Reformer.
This guide successfully retains the brevity and accessibility that Calvin strove to preserve. Thus, it is ideal for the student, pastor, and those who simply want to explore the riches of Calvin's famous text. Enjoy!
I used this book as a companion to my own reading of the Institutes. Although it doesn't account for every bit of Calvin's theology, (as no single volume could) it provides great insight to the major theological themes of the Institutes which must be grasped in order to understand the man.
Expositions of these themes are each supported with additional information that allows the reader to understand some of the ways in which Calvin's theology was inspired by the Scriptures, philosophers, church fathers, and his peers.
Some of the best Calvin scholars have contributed to this book. As a result, there is a wealth of resources that are recommended for those who wish to further their studies on various aspects of the Reformer.
This guide successfully retains the brevity and accessibility that Calvin strove to preserve. Thus, it is ideal for the student, pastor, and those who simply want to explore the riches of Calvin's famous text. Enjoy!
September 25, 2015
John Calvin’s Institutes is no doubt one of the most influential and important theological writings in the history of the church. However, as a young youth I have struggled trying to read his Institutes. Eventually I gave up, hoping that as I mature further I would be able to learn much from this pastor theologian.
Now having read this theological guide to the Institutes. I must say I go away being more convinced that I must really take time and effort to read the Institutes. What I found most helpful within this guide, is how they authors group various chapters of the Institutes into one chapter and shows very clearly the flow of Calvin’s thought in the Institutes. In addition to this, the authors of each chapter adds on to what Calvin has said in the Institutes, they give their summary of what Calvin has written, and shows it’s support from scripture or from other authors, past or modern.
This book really serves as a festschrift to John Calvin was well as a theological summary of the various section within the institutes. I have gain much from this book, and would highly recommend you to read this book alongside with Calvin’s Institutes. If there is only one guide you would need as you read the Institutes, you should get this book. I would be recommended this book for any one who is willingly to work hard to understand to try to understand the Institutes, whether you are a pastor, a layman or a seminary student. This volume will be of help and use to you as you read and study the Institutes.
Rating: 5 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Now having read this theological guide to the Institutes. I must say I go away being more convinced that I must really take time and effort to read the Institutes. What I found most helpful within this guide, is how they authors group various chapters of the Institutes into one chapter and shows very clearly the flow of Calvin’s thought in the Institutes. In addition to this, the authors of each chapter adds on to what Calvin has said in the Institutes, they give their summary of what Calvin has written, and shows it’s support from scripture or from other authors, past or modern.
This book really serves as a festschrift to John Calvin was well as a theological summary of the various section within the institutes. I have gain much from this book, and would highly recommend you to read this book alongside with Calvin’s Institutes. If there is only one guide you would need as you read the Institutes, you should get this book. I would be recommended this book for any one who is willingly to work hard to understand to try to understand the Institutes, whether you are a pastor, a layman or a seminary student. This volume will be of help and use to you as you read and study the Institutes.
Rating: 5 / 5
Disclaimer: I was given this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 9, 2016
I find Calvin's Institutes to be at times brilliant and heartwarming, at times laborious, and at times tendentious and tedious. So it's no surprise that a book commenting on the Institutes has many of the same elements. Overall, this is certainly a helpful and scholarly strong companion to Calvin. Recommended and useful, though not always scintillating.
Want to read
July 19, 2008This looks like it will be a good read.
November 17, 2009
Some essays were better than others. I prefer Parker's "Calvin: An Introduction to His Thought" much better than these.
June 25, 2012
Overall this book is a good exposition of Calvin's thought. However, some of the chapters are better than others. I especially appreciated Dr. Horton and Dr. Beeke's chapters.
Want to read
August 16, 2017It will be a good read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews