The Cambridge Companion to John Calvin

Cambridge Companions to Religion

by Donald K. McKim (Editor)

An international array of major Calvin scholars considers aspects of Calvin's theological thought and influence. Historians as well as theologians present the major themes in his writings in addition to discussing the ways in which his thought spread and has increasing importance today.

Genres: Theology, Church History, Nonfiction, Reference

372 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2000

About the author

Donald K. McKim is an American Presbyterian theologian and editor. He works as Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press.

McKim studied at Westminster College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught at Memphis Theological Seminary and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

McKim is known for his 1979 book The Authority and Interpretation of the Bible: An Historical Approach. Co-authored with Jack B. Rogers, it was Eternity magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1980. In the book, Rogers and McKim argued that the Bible was infallible but not inerrant.

Donald Keith McKim was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Keith Beatty and Mary Alisan (Leslie) McKim.

Reviews

[Jackson Greer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Assigned reading for class. Most fine essays, others fell short, 3 stars felt like a good middle ground.

[Michael Longerbeam]

Read most of the essays in this volume for a class. The essays were well-written and informative for a companion book such as this. It was a great, intriguing introduction to Calvin's life and theology.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like every "Cambridge Companion," this one is a mixed bag. Carl Trueman's chapter (ch. 14) on Calvin and later Reformed Scholasticism is gold. The chapter on Geneva (ch. 2) provides a helpful backdrop. And some of the middle chapters are excellent—on Calvin's writings, biblical interpretation, theology and ethics (chs. 3-6).

[Jacob Moore · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some very helpful essays in here (Trueman's is, indeed, fine work). But there are also some essays that just are lackluster, such as the one on Calvin's ecumenism as seen today.

More than anything though, it's just not edited to be a great book. It is a great resource on certain topics for Calvin, but I wouldn't recommend "reading" it in a strict sense.

[Dwain Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a series of articles that I found to be very helpful when considering the life and work of John Calvin. There are a good number of helpful essays in this book, but I will echo what others have said. Some of the essays aren’t good. Others are great.

[Joel Zartman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Underwhelming. Some of the essays are cursory, some are excellent, some are good, some are repetitive, some seem odd choices.

[Zach de Walsingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class

[Dan Griswold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several good essays.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some essays are great and some are meh.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though it be dry at times and the variety of authors made it not as enjoyable this book will give you a very helpful introduction to Calvin, his life, thoughts, and beliefs. If you are familiar with Calvin or know nothing about him I would recommend this book for further study.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a volume of mixed utility. Some of the essays were quite dull, others better. I found Carl Trueman'schapter quite helpful.