Scott’s Reviews > Institutes of the Christian Religion, 2 Vols > Status Update

Hey, Scott! Do you have a preferred version for reading Calvin’s institutes? I know there’s many out there but I’m not sure what is considered “best” to read. I have it Logos, translated by Henry Beveridge, but not sure if you prefer a different translator than him.

Steve, this is a great question! I think Richard Muller has said that Allen is the best, probably because the Latin is better translated and Battles is often criticized for being a little too influenced by dialectical theology. In addition, Battles also suffers by including footnotes that are original to Calvin, as well as footnotes that Battles himself includes, which leads you to assume that Calvin often read certain sources when he likely didn't.

Battles isn't perfect, but I find it, from a reading experience, to be quite pleasant. I like the font from the old Westminster series, and while the notes and annotations can sometimes overdo it, I find they often are helpful for highlighting certain Latin phrases (e.g. sensus divinitatis in Book 1).

All that to say, Lord willing, Crossway will produce a new version of the Institutes in 2027 or 2028. The translator, Raymond Blacketer, is in the "Muller school," and is an accomplished Latinist. It is likely to be a great improvement on Battles.

You can read more about that, and some of the history of the translation of Calvin's Institutes, if you Google "Calvin's Institutes for the 21st century." (I can't post the link on Goodreads.)

Thanks so much, Scott!

Excited to hear about this new edition!