Theology Made Practical: New Studies on John Calvin and His Legacy

by Joel R. Beeke (Contributor), David W. Hall, Michael A.G. Haykin

In Theology Made Practical, Joel R. Beeke, David W. Hall, and Michael A. G. Haykin declare the significance of John Calvin’s life and ideas—particularly his contributions to systematic theology, pastoral theology, and political theology—as well as the influence he had on others through the centuries. With focused studies related to the Trinity, predestination, the Holy Spirit, justification, preaching, missions, principles of government, welfare, and marriage, this book demonstrates how Calvin’s thought has been, and still is, a dynamic wellspring of fruitfulness for numerous areas of the Christian life. More than 450 years since Calvin experienced the beatific vision, his thinking about God and His Word still possesses what our culture passionately longs for—true relevancy.

Genres: Church History

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2017

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

[JJ Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Calvin from this book, which is really all that you can ask from a book about John Calvin and his legacy. I definitely enjoyed some chapters more than others; some of them felt like a lot of rehashing of earlier material, and some of them just didn't appear to be organized well, but I think that this would actually be a great introduction to John Calvin and his thought process to somebody that has some background in theology but has never spent much time with Calvin himself.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

You would think that a book called “Theology Made Practical” would mean “Calvinism for dummies”. That was definitely not the case with this book. Many times I had to read sections over again because there was just so much to absorb and contemplate.

If you’re looking for “meaty” theology, this book is a must read.

[Evan Cruse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty solid book on bringing many of Calvin's thoughts and beliefs down to a level that isn't the institutes. Nonetheless, many terms (especially latin) are undefined and other areas could have been more broadly defined (e.g. how his views on government affected the Genevan government)

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good look into the life and teaching of Calvin through his theology.