Calvin for Armchair Theologians

by Christopher Elwood

Publisher:

Westminster John Knox

, 2002

Overview

In this concise introduction to Calvin’s life and thought, Christopher Elwood offers an insightful and accessible overview of Calvin’s key teachings within his historical context. The trials and travails Calvin encountered as he ministered and taught in Geneva are discussed, with special attention given to theological controversies associated with the Trinity and predestination. Elwood indicates the ways that Calvinism developed and its influence in today's world. Illustrations are interspersed throughout the text and humorously illuminate key points providing an engaging introduction to this important theologian.

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Key Features

• Highlights the way Calvin lived his life from beginning to end
• Offers knowledge from field experts in a simple and playful presentation
• Features witty illustrations by Ron Hill

Contents

Top Highlights

“For Calvin, theology had to be hot, that is, it had to engage the emotions—the heart and the soul.” (Page 39)

“The basis of my salvation is not my free decision but God’s.” (Page 92)

“There is no such thing as luck, good or bad, since every eventuality is a consequence of God’s willing and working.” (Page 59)

“Humanists were interested in reviving the literary values of classical antiquity.” (Page 4)

“The most famous humanist of Calvin’s time was Desiderius Erasmus (1469–1536).” (Page 4)

Product Details

• Title: Calvin for Armchair Theologians
• Author: Christopher Elwood
• Series: W. J. K. Armchair
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 182
• Resource Type: Biographies, Introductions
• Topic: John Calvin

About Christopher Elwood

A historian of Christianity, with particular expertise in the early modern period and broad interest in other periods, who thinks of himself as a historical theologian. “I think it is important that members of our churches become aware of the connections between what they believe and the social and political commitments they hold. This concern influences my efforts to encourage seminary students to see the way theological ideas ‘live’ in particular historical environments and how this has application to our own reflection on the beliefs we hold and the way we express t