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John Calvin: For a New Reformation
More than 500 years ago, 16th-century Reformer John Calvin was born—a theologian whose teachings set the stage for reformation of the church around the world. The modern world is in continual need of his Christ-exalting doctrine and vision of the Christian life. In 20 essays by leading Reformed pastors and scholars, this primer explores Calvin’s life, teaching, and legacy for a new generation. This book is a clarion call to Christians everywhere to take seriously the ongoing need of theological reformation across the globe.
610 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
26 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Derek Thomas
56 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 21, 2023
I listened to this over a period of almost 2 months on Canon+ as an audiobook.
The first half deals with the history & context for Calvin, the 2nd his theology in various areas.
I'm already a huge appreciator of this magisterial reformer, and this book did nothing to stifle that vision. John Calvin, like Edwards, like Bunyan is one of those greats from history who you need to read & read about to understand them. It's sad, given all the great contributions Calvin made to theology (not just in predestination mind you) how vilified and caricatured he is.
This book is a great introduction to who he was, what it taught and how it impacts us today. The premise is that we need another Calvin to lead us into a new reformation - I tend to agree.
If you have any kind of opinion regarding Calvin, negative or positive - you should read this book, it will provide something new you haven't considered. In summary, there's a reason why this theologian from 500 years ago is still talked about today, there's a reason why his commentaries (of which there were many) and his institutes are still referred to today; if these things facts confound you, you should read this book and read it well.
The first half deals with the history & context for Calvin, the 2nd his theology in various areas.
I'm already a huge appreciator of this magisterial reformer, and this book did nothing to stifle that vision. John Calvin, like Edwards, like Bunyan is one of those greats from history who you need to read & read about to understand them. It's sad, given all the great contributions Calvin made to theology (not just in predestination mind you) how vilified and caricatured he is.
This book is a great introduction to who he was, what it taught and how it impacts us today. The premise is that we need another Calvin to lead us into a new reformation - I tend to agree.
If you have any kind of opinion regarding Calvin, negative or positive - you should read this book, it will provide something new you haven't considered. In summary, there's a reason why this theologian from 500 years ago is still talked about today, there's a reason why his commentaries (of which there were many) and his institutes are still referred to today; if these things facts confound you, you should read this book and read it well.
March 8, 2022
As an introductory and varied overview of John Calvin's life and teaching, I appreciated the work done by the authors. Approaching the book from a non-Reformed by evangelical perspective has generated in me a large amount of respect and appreciation for John Calvin. I don't agree with him on everything, but I absolutely recognize the contribution he made to not only the Reformation, but the Church as a whole.
October 21, 2022
I read the hardcover edition of this book, published by Crossway. Unfortunately, the only edition with the cover for the edition I read is listed on Goodreads as Kindle or eBook - but I suppose that is a minor detail only I might care about.
I purchased the last copy of this book that was on hand, at a conference I attended in March 2019 - right after it was released. The book itself is a fitting primer to John Calvin and his writings/theology/life/ministry. The twenty chapters cover Calvin's life and work, and what he taught such topics as scripture, God's providence, the person and work of Christ, the church as mother, and to my pleasant surprise, the last things. In addition there is an Afterword written by the late Dr. R.C. Sproul, which was one of his last published writings (see introduction); and a helpful Appendix titled "Reading Calvin and His Interpreters" for those who want to read more of or about John Calvin..
I found the work well footnoted - which enabled me to find and read the Calvin quotes cited in the various articles in their context. This book was a real treat - and I am very glad I bought and read it!!
I purchased the last copy of this book that was on hand, at a conference I attended in March 2019 - right after it was released. The book itself is a fitting primer to John Calvin and his writings/theology/life/ministry. The twenty chapters cover Calvin's life and work, and what he taught such topics as scripture, God's providence, the person and work of Christ, the church as mother, and to my pleasant surprise, the last things. In addition there is an Afterword written by the late Dr. R.C. Sproul, which was one of his last published writings (see introduction); and a helpful Appendix titled "Reading Calvin and His Interpreters" for those who want to read more of or about John Calvin..
I found the work well footnoted - which enabled me to find and read the Calvin quotes cited in the various articles in their context. This book was a real treat - and I am very glad I bought and read it!!
November 7, 2023
A good summary of his life, key ideas, and contremporary importance. Will read again.
January 2, 2025
The most soul refreshing and helpful book for me of all 2024.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews