Thedore Beza: The Counsellor of the French Reformation

by Henry Martyn Baird

Theodore Beza's course of activity was, in the words of the author, 'long and brilliant.' He presided over the Reformed church in the French-speaking countries of Europe for many years, and was its recognized counsellor and leader in times of peril. His friendship with John Calvin, and also with the French king, Henry IV, ensured that his influence in both church and state was not insignificant-- indeed, Beza's was a career rich in incidents and dramatic interest. As Paul Wells notes in his Introduction to this new edition of Baird's life of Beza, 'some plants flourish in the shade of mighty trees.' Theodore Beza was such a plant--a significant 'Reformer in the wings' who became a major actor in the development of the magisterial Reformation and the spread of the Reformed faith in France. Beza stepped into the shoes of Calvin as the spokesman of French Protestants in the diaspora, and as the figurehead of a refugee church--a church faced with theological error, and opposition from the powers that be. Beza's work remains a model of faithfulness under duress for believers worldwide in comparable situations today--it is for that reason that this new edition of his Life has been published.

Genres: History, Biography

424 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2004

About the author

1832-

Reviews

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Banner of Truth has a knack for publishing great Christian biographies and for not caring if the subject is wildly famous or not. That in itself is encouraging as it reminds us that many have served the Lord wonderfully even though most are not especially noticed. In this case, Theodore Beza, is known in the sense of being a contemporary and even friend of Calvin while little more is known of him by most people. Calvin, loved by some and hated by others, is by any metric a seminal figure in Christianity. Beza didn’t blaze a trail but he did help establish it into a widely-traveled road.

Baird was easy to read. He was thoroughly impressed with Beza, but could admit when something wasn’t handled the best way. Beza’s story is primarily an academic career. In certain times of history that can have some drama and intrigue and this was one of those times. The ongoing interaction with government made that so.

Perhaps there isn’t as much piety or spirituality as in some recent Banner biographies like, say, Thomas Charles of Bala. That is not to call into question Beza’s piety or spirituality at all, just the focus of the biography. He came across as dedicated to his work and would unhesitatingly choose a course to follow what he believed to be right before the Lord even at great personal cost. It just seemed that his spiritual trials were all in his work, though a few personal trials were briefly mentioned, even as almost an afterthought. I’m not downgrading the biography, just explaining what to expect.

I suspect this biography will secure its strongest following among those who love Calvin and want to vicariously experience him again through Beza. This book will unquestionably recreate a portion of Calvin’s life as the lives of Beza and Calvin were prominently intertwined.

Banner never fails us on book quality and this lovely book is worthy to adorn your shelves for years to come.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Matt Allhands · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good - although less personal biography of a pivotal Reformer. Baird gives good description of prevailing mindsets as well as a selection of direct quotations when appropriate. It's on the dry side, but if you are curious about the Reformation in France and Geneva, this is a good book to consider.

[Timothy Denning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Detailed account of the life of Theodore Beza. who was a close friend of John Calvin. Narrowly escaped being killed as he fled to Geneva. Dealt with bible translation. Was also a preacher, mightly used by God in the reformation, as the reformers did all they could to bring Biblical truth to the forefront. Tried to also influence the king and queen at the time, too, a life well spent serving the King of King's.

[Tim Woody · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting, if nothing but archaically written biography of Theodore Beza the successor of John Calvin. Having google handy if your not a French Historian is a must though.

[Cameron Borders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good