John Calvin

[Dieter Schneider]

a

 

[BobVigneault]

Dieter, take a couple 50 minute periods to listen to two lectures by Dr. David Calhoun of Covenant Sem. They are lectures 8 and 9 and will give you and concise thumbnail sketch of Calvin and his contribution to the reformation.

http://www.covenantseminary.edu/worldwide/en/CH320/CH320.asp

 

[Poimen]

I have two questions

1. How can one best sum up Calvin's contribution to the 16th century Reformation?
2. How can one prove that Calvin was NOT a Genevan Pope / a dictator?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you.

Dieter

This may seem glib, but the easiest way to deal with an accusation (#2) is to ask: prove it (with sources).

Otherwise you could purchase this book (a fine start):

VAN HALSEMA, THEA B. This Was John Calvin

"The most lively and readable biography of Calvin available in English," stated Roger Nicole. "Though it reads as smoothly as a well written novel," writes J.H. Kromminga, "it is crammed with important facts. It is scholarly and popular at the same time. The book will hold the interest of the young but will also bring new information to the well informed... This book recognizes the true greatness of the man without falling into distortions of the truth to protect that greatness."

http://www.godutch.com/catalogue/bookN.asp?id=136

 

[wsw201]

I would also recommend Alistar McGrath's book on John Calvin. He gets into the political life of Geneva.