Reformed Pub discussion

I always prepare when reading a new theology book. I want to know background about the author, time period the book was written/published, etc. I will be looking for and reading resources during December to do this preparation. I will post what I find to be helpful here. If you know of or have such resources, please share them here.

Good idea! I'll be on the lookout for some good articles and resources. I believe WTS or RTS had a free class on Calvin's Institutes. I listened to parts of it, and it was awesome.

Yeah that is a great idea. As someone who started reading the Institutes a couple months ago, I can tell you that depending on which version you have, the book itself may contain some of that information. One of my friends and I are currently going through it with this version, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...

It has a nice introduction to the life and times of John Calvin, and multiple prefaces by Calvin himself giving background to his purpose in writing.

Hope we all learn a ton, cheers!

Good point Aaron. I forgot about that. I have read the intros by Calvin and they are good. A good rule to read by: Never skip the Preface or Introduction or other prefatory material!

Don't forget Calvin's own introductory letter to the King of France! I was just looking at that today and forgot how good it was (duh!)

Really looking forward to reading this with y'all! I was about to begin it a couple weeks ago, glad I didn't :)

I found this:

WHY AND HOW TO READ CALVIN’S INSTITUTES

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blo...

More motivational than introduction, but worth a read.

That article has some great resources in it. I especially like this study guide: A Study Guide to Calvin's Institutes

Just bought it on Amazon. I've always wanted to read this so I'm excited that this is finally giving me that push to do it!

I got the Institutes for Christmas (already had a battered old copy, but now have a shiny new one), so I look forward to joining you!

I have an edition on my kindle fire but not sure which. The book has an introduction by John Murray, is there a better edition or one the majority of our group is using?

Adam, the one linked to on the main group page is the one many of us are using. Not sure if it is the best and I don't know if it is the same one you downloaded.

Hello, folks! I've decided to take the plunge and since I've never read any of Calvin's work, I've decided to join you all. I was planning to use Logos 6 so I can read on my various devices.

My library has two of Beveridge's translation (and one of the Battles text, too). One was put out by Logos and has a few added footnotes by a professor at Biblical Seminary in Hatfield, PA. The other was put out by the Calvin Translation Society.

I was wondering; would the second one be the better option to use for reading along with the group?

Ok following the link, I have that kindle edition so I should be good.

As far as I can tell, most people will be using beveridge, but we are breaking the reading up by chapter and section, so it probably won't matter if you use McNeil/Battles.

Thanks!

I think I could have been a little clearer: I actually have three editions, two of Beveridge, and one of McNeil/Battles. There are some differences between the Beveridge editions for some reason. However, I think they are probably close enough that either would work. I'll probably use the one from the Calvin Translation Society, since it appears to have more introductory material.

Bought this to help me study.

I am so happy excited to do this with all of you!

Just received my 2 volumes and getting ready to take on this challenge! I expect it to be difficult but not impossible! Not sure about the study guide....Happy 2015!!!!

Just picked a copy up from the library, but on second thought, I think I better purchase my own copy...

Yes...Richelle that's what I decided!

I have an audiobook version of the Institutes, which is 66 hours long, but not a printed version. It says in the introduction that Calvin makes numerous references to other authors, such as St. Augustine, in his book.

Does anyone know the top 20 books that Calvin references in the Institutes?

^^ good question. I did a quick google search and didn't find anything. That would be interesting to find out!

I think the printed version, if it has decent notes, would have the bibliographic information somewhere. But I don't have one at hand.

Unfortunately I checked the back and, no, it doesn't list out the most popular authors he mentions. It doesn't even really point to the authors as far as I can tell with a quick reading.

I have the version recommended by the group.

The back of the 2nd volume if the McNeill /Battles version has a very detailed author and source index that includes many, many names and documents. Augustine index is over 8 pages long...other references include: Cyprian, Erasmus, Gratian, homer, Hilary, Jerome, peter Lombard, Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, Plato, Michael serverus ...and many more! Total of 40 pages.... Also included is a very detailed index of all biblical references - about 40 pages...plus another subject index!

I wouldn't be surprised if it was Augustine...so far he has quoted him the most often as far as I can tell.

Wow, Barri. That's a lot of quotes! It might be worth it for me to check that version just for the list.

Ricelle-I'm really enjoying this version! James recommended it as possibly a bit more readable. I'm not used to wading into this type of book but it has been very accessible so far!

Barri wrote: "The back of the 2nd volume if the McNeill /Battles version has a very detailed author and source index that includes many, many names and documents. Augustine index is over 8 pages long...other ref..."

That's exactly what I'm looking for! If it is not too much trouble, could you post a list of up to 20 books and their authors that Calvin references the most (say at least 3 times)? I'm hoping to read them along with the Institutes, or perhaps as prerequisites.

Your help would be much appreciated. :)

I would be glad to...may take me a few days to get to it! Happy reading!

Thank you Barri!!

Well Nemo...looks like you read some pretty heavy weight books! Here are authors referenced by Calvin in the Institutes - from approximate greatest number of references to least (as room allows) Happy reading!!!

1. Augustine +500
2. Peter martyr Vermigli +500
3. Thomas Aquinas +140
4. Martin Luther +100
5. Peter Lombard +100
6. Pope Gregory I +85
7. Cicero +80
8. Michael Servetus +70
9. Philip Melanchthon +70
10. Gratian +70
11.Cyprian+ 50
W
12.
13.

And in conclusion! ( All under 50 references )
12. Plato
13. Tertulliun
14. Bernard of Clairvaux
15. William durantus
16. Erasmus
17. Jochin Wesphal
18. Jerome
19. Martin Bucer
20. John Chrysostom

Let us know what you pick up Nemo!

PS Are you real?

Barri wrote: "Well Nemo...looks like you read some pretty heavy weight books! Here are authors referenced by Calvin in the Institutes."

Thank you so much, Barri. I have to admit I'm a bit awed by Calvin's erudition. Perhaps it is premature to read the Institutes without familiarizing myself with these authors first, many of whom I've never even heard of until now. One thing is certain, I need to buy that printed version.

PS Are you real?

I don't know what you mean. :)

Nemo- just looking at your name and scenic picture made me wonder if you were really out there! Haha!
Enjoy this book I believe you will....dense books do not appear to intimidate you!
Happy reading!

Calvin argues that the Reformation is not a new movement, but a faithful continuation of the Apostolic Faith, against the corruption of the Papacy. Perhaps one of the reasons he quotes frequently from Tertullium, Augustine, Chrysostom, Pope Gregory I, etc. is to demonstrate this inherent continuity of the Church.