John Calvin: Intellectual History and Theology

by Stephen R. Holmes

John Calvin is one of the most significant thinkers in Christian history. His name is still, 450 years after his death, attached to churches worldwide. Yet there have been remarkably few authoritative and accessible accounts of his thought. This book fills an important gap in present literature, presenting the first scholarly study of Calvin's theology for nearly thirty years. Bringing together the fruits of recent scholarship which has explored Calvin's intellectual context, this book offers a new reading of how Calvin set about the theological task and what he had to say. Attention is paid to Calvin's location in intellectual history, and to his reading; to his use of the Bible; to his theological method; and to his influence on the later tradition. At the heart of the work is a new summary of Calvin's theology, drawing out major themes and showing their inter-relations.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published January 5, 2026