Barbara Pitkin traces the way in which Calvin's exegetical labors contributed to his understanding of faith. Through detailed analysis of Calvin's interpretation of selected biblical passages, this study shows how his views evolved. Pitkin describes the gradual development of the mature Calvin's view that faith exhibits a twofold character--saving faith and providential faith--that corresponds to the twofold aspect of its object--Christ as both the incarnate and eternal Son of God.
When it comes to sex and sexuality, men often find themselves in a losing battle against temptation. Whether it's overt pornography or simply oversexualized images of women, media can be a man's worst enemy. In this straightforward book, Craig Gross and Steven Luff help men understand and embrace the true purpose and role of sex in their lives. Whether single or married, all men must cope with sexual temptation--sometimes on a daily basis. This honest treatment of an uncomfortable issue will free men to experience forgiveness and renewal.
John Calvin was known foremost for his powerful impact on the fundamental doctrines of Protestantism, and his biblical interpretation continues to attract interest and inquiry. Calvin, the Bible, and History investigates Calvin's exegesis of the Bible through the lens of one of its most distinctive and distinguishing features: his historicizing approach to scripture. Barbara Pitkin here explores how historical consciousness affected Calvin's interpretation of the Bible, sometimes leading him to unusual, unprecedented, and occasionally controversial exegetical conclusions. Through several case studies, Pitkin explores the multi-faceted ways that historical consciousness was interlinked with Calvin's interpretation of biblical books, authors, and themes, analyzing the centrality of history in his engagement with scripture from the Pentateuch to his reception of the apostle Paul. First establishing the relevant intellectual and cultural contexts, Pitkin situates Calvin's readings within broader cultural trends and historical developments, demonstrating the expansive impact of Calvin's concept of history on his reading of the Bible. Calvin, the Bible, and History reveals the significance of his efforts to relate the biblical past to current historical conditions, reshaping an earlier image of Calvin as a forerunner of modern historical criticism by viewing his deep historical sensibility and distinct interpretive approach within their early modern context.
An introduction to the complete Calvin corpus is available in English for the first time, placing information on the Geneva Reformer's exegetical and controversial work within easy reach. This survey also includes a biography focusing on the people and events that swirled through his life. Throughout the guide de Greef relates Calvin's publications to their historical context. Interpretive biblical works, essays and confessional treatises, and theological debates are covered, along with Calvin's correspondence and miscellaneous writings. One chapter follows the development of the Institutes of the Christian Religion through its successive revisions. Extensive indexes and notes on major Calvin studies are included. The guide avoids quoting the works themselves but shows where to turn for Calvin's thoughts on a subject. Bibliographical data have been reworked from the Dutch edition to point out English translations.
