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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
About the author
Derek Thomas
50 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 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!!
May 17, 2026
There are some voices through history that we know more about them by what other people have accused them of. John Calvin is one such person, but this book takes just under 600 pages to clear the air and give us a bit of who Calvin actually was.
There are so many things you could call this book. Yes it’s a collection, but there is a fair amount of history, I would also call it a good systematic theology. It’s a preaching manual. It’s instruction on how to study scripture. It’s a lesson in ecclesiology. Therefore, let me use the rest of this review to list some of the lessons;
Return to the worship of the Bible
The goal of preaching, church, discipline, and counseling from the pulpit. The word of God is scripture because if it’s author. Reflect on the growing majesty of God‘s glory. Live out your doctrine. No the mediator. Follow Christ rather than self. Understand the church through the creed. No it makes reformed theology distinct from RCC, Lutherans, Zwinglians. God saves, and His work is not undone.
There are so many things you could call this book. Yes it’s a collection, but there is a fair amount of history, I would also call it a good systematic theology. It’s a preaching manual. It’s instruction on how to study scripture. It’s a lesson in ecclesiology. Therefore, let me use the rest of this review to list some of the lessons;
Return to the worship of the Bible
The goal of preaching, church, discipline, and counseling from the pulpit. The word of God is scripture because if it’s author. Reflect on the growing majesty of God‘s glory. Live out your doctrine. No the mediator. Follow Christ rather than self. Understand the church through the creed. No it makes reformed theology distinct from RCC, Lutherans, Zwinglians. God saves, and His work is not undone.
June 25, 2026
Kind of a weird way to write a biography if everyone writes one chapter, so there is some overlap. The most interesting fact is that Calvin said that we do not need to say that we believe in the catholic church, but that we believe it. R. C. Sproul's afterward says that Calvin was a giant in a land of dwarfs or a Gulliver in a land of Lilliputians, if I recall correctly. Calvin suggested for depression massive amounts of Scripture. Jocko says that you make time for what's important. If all you seem to have time for is listening to the Bible on the way to work, you can literally buy a recording of an Irish women reading the psalms or the entire Bible to you. She wrote In Christ Alone. This is unprecedented levels of access to the Bible even from 100 years ago that shames nearly all Christians as lazy beyond belief of Christians living even a few decades ago.
June 20, 2026
4.5. Part 1 on the life and work of John Calvin was worth the price of the book, especially the essay on the consistory in Geneva and Calvin the pastor. In part 2, the essay on Calvin on the Christian life and the person and work of Christ stand out.
That being said, there was a lot of overlap and unnecessary repetition between the essays. Overall, this is an excellent resource on the Reformation’s most important theologian and pastor.
That being said, there was a lot of overlap and unnecessary repetition between the essays. Overall, this is an excellent resource on the Reformation’s most important theologian and pastor.
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.
February 22, 2026
Helpful collection of essays examining a theological titan in John Calvin. Served exactly the purpose I was looking for in reading this book which was a broad overview of Calvin's personal life, ideas, and impact on the Reformer branch of the Christian church. A perfect preparatory to reading Calvin's Institutes of Christian religion.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews