John Calvin: after Darkness Light

Trailblazers

by Catherine MacKenzie

Calvin had ideas on how we could live better lives - particularly how we could live in close harmony with God and each other - but because his ideas were radical, his life was filled with dramatic events and dangers. He was run out of town - and then welcomed back. He was accussed of being too harsh - and also too tender hearted. When he explained what the bible meant he was considered too logical and too spiritual! He must have been an amazing man to have caused such a stir!

Genres: Biography, Childrens, History, Religion, Theology, Christian

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Catherine Mackenzie has written several biographies for young teens in the Trailblazers series as well as other titles for younger children. She lives in Scotland and has several nieces and nephews – a perfect practice audience!

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a written for an audience aged 7-14 years old. But don't be steered away by the youthful looking cover and size. MacKenzie's book is a great summary of the life and times of John Calvin. Want a quick, digest-able overview of this great reformer for young or old? You'll leave wanted to read more of him!

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I attend a Christian Reformed Church. After reading John Calvin’s Little Book on Christianity, I’ve wanted to learn more about him. I heard how good the Trail Blazers series were & they had a book on John Calvin. So I thought I would start here. It’s an good basic start on learning about his life. I will find more books about this amazing man.

[Nihou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this to my 11 year old son. It gave us a good overview of Calvin's life and was written at a level that made it interesting to a child - having a level of useful detail but treating it as a story, so it maintained flow. It struck me that I might get others in the series, so that I myself could gain an insight into different Christian folk of history whom I'd never got round to learning about.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easy to read, good introduction to John Calvin. Whilst I know quite a bit about Calvin's theology, I only knew the bare facts of his history. This was a nice easy way to get to appreciate what the great Reformer went through.

Recommended for all ages, not just young adult readers :)

[Pedro Camino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable. This is a work intended for young teens but that doesn't mean the content is boring or lacks a gripping effect. The author does a fine job of providing a basic portrait of the life and times of Calvin that reads like a novel.

[Bo Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick and good read. I would say it's written for middle grade kids. I enjoyed the casual history. I'll read more in this series.

[Peter Kiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda dorky, very unrealistic, and clunky

[Austin Cocanougher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the read. Wish the book went more into his theology, writings, and influence to the faith. Maybe even an epilogue about his influence. However, the book was solid.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good little biography of Calvin, with a lot of solid theology integrated. It's part bio, part theological study. I'd love to read this one with my kids in the future.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice general overview of John Calvin's life which makes me want to learn more about him. Also mentions other sixteenth century reformers; Martin Bucer, William Farel, & Martin Luther.