This book examines Calvin's contribution to the rise and development of primarily the Genevan, British, and American political traditions. To show this, Hall traces the development of Calvinist political thought from its roots in Augustine and Calvin's own life, to its expression in the Institutes, and finally, to the way his followers appropriated his ideas into public policy especially in Britain and America. --from publisher description.
In this work, J. Budziszewski examines evangelical political thought over the past fifty years through four key figures--Carl F. H. Henry, Abraham Kuyper, Francis Schaeffer, and John Howard Yoder--to argue that, in addition to Scripture, the evangelical political movement should be informed by the tradition of natural law. David L. Weeks (Azusa Pacific University) responds on Henry, William Edgar (Westminster Seminary) responds to the Schaeffer section, John Bolt (Calvin Seminary) comments on Kuyper, and Ashley Woodiwiss (Wheaton College) offers remarks on the Yoder portion. Jean Bethke Elshtain (University of Chicago) provides the afterword, summarizing the dialogue and offering her own observations. In addition, the book includes an introduction by Michael Cromartie of the Ethics and Public Policy Center.
A Heart Promptly Offered"" presents the basic story of Calvin's life, along with numerous excerpts from his own pen'writings from his letters, commentaries, and sermons. In addition to summarizing the main topics of Calvin's ""Institutes,"" it lays out his ground-breaking political theory, which is an unparelleled contribution to human freedom.""
" ... conferences were sponsored during 2009 ... the papers that were presented in Calvin's own quarters July 6-9, 2009 ... the chapters comprising this book were presented at (or written by presenters of) Calvin 500 at the Auditoire in Geneva's Old Town" --Pref.
Christian thinking about involvement in human government was not born (or born again!) with the latest elections or with the founding of the Moral Majority in 1979. The history of Christian political thinking goes back to the first decades of the church's existence under persecution. Building on biblical foundations, that thinking has developed over time. This book introduces the history of Christian political thought traced out in Western culture--a culture experiencing the dissolution of a long-fought-for consensus around natural law theory. Understanding our current crisis, where there is little agreement and often opposing views about how to maintain both religious freedom and liberal democracy, requires exploring how we got where we are. Greg Forster tells that backstory with deft discernment and clear insight. He offers this retrospective not only to inform but also to point the way beyond the current impasse in the contested public square. Illuminated by sidebars on key moments in history, major figures and questions for further consideration, this book will significantly inform Christian scholars' and students' reading and interpretation of history.
This 5th volume in the Calvin 500 series will analyze the impact of Calvins ideas on business/economics/ finance/industry. Calvinism and the Spirit of Business (co-editor, Matthew Burton of the Invisible Hand Foundation, a private charitable foundation), will both articulate fundamental economic realities and gather business leaders and experts to show how Calvinism leads to strengths and advantages in market economies.
Not only was John Calvin a magisterial theologian and one of the great transformative forces of modern history, he also was a consummate preacher who delivered over two thousand sermons in St. Pierre's Cathedral in Geneva, Switzerland, where he pastored from 1536 until his death in 1564. What better way to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth and his towering legacy to the church than by gathering sixteen of the preeminent Reformed pastors of our day to preach commemorative sermons in St. Pierre's! Preaching Like Calvin faithfully presents the text of these sermons. Reading the sermons shows how Calvin's theology grew from a clear understanding of the Biblean understanding and a theology that are alive and well in the church today.
In this exploration of Calvin's political thought, Roland Boer treats Calvin as a biblical scholar and political philosopher, showing us elusive aspects of Calvin's Institutes. Boer investigates Calvin's careful thinking in the Institutes as well as in his biblical commentaries, pursuing Calvin's understanding of political freedom. Calvin argued for a greater freedom for the faith than theologians had imagined, Boer claims, but then stepped back from the most radical implications of this call. Boer also explores Calvin's views on grace with the eye of a careful interpreter and suggests what we might find in Calvin's political thought if we took the Bible, grace, and freedom as seriously as he did. Clearly these are relevant points to consider for Christian political living today.
“I once was blind, but now I see” is the glad confession of the Christian’s heart. However, what is it that a Christian now sees that so transforms his life? It is the Christian worldview. This is not an abstract philosophy so much as biblical doctrine for life. The Word of God establishes God-centered thinking, engages faithful living, and energizes ardent feeling for the kingdom of Christ in this world and the world to come. In this volume, several pastors and theologians band together to explore aspects of the Christian worldview such as God’s Trinity, supremacy, and loving sovereignty over all of life; the Christian’s identity in Christ, sexuality, and sufferings; and the Christian life as both earthly mission and heavenly pilgrimage. Contributors include Derek Thomas, Michael Barrett, Joel Beeke, Paul Smalley, Mark Kelderman, Brian Cosby, Charles Barrett, and Gerald Bilkes. Contents: Part I: Foundational Truths for the Christian’s Mind 1. The Christian Worldview of the Trinity - Derek W. H. Thomas 2. Under the Sun to Beyond the Sun: The Old Testament’s Worldview - Michael Barrett 3. The Worldview of the Puritans - Joel R. Beeke and Paul M. Smalley Part II: Formative Truths for the Christian’s Life 4. The Christian Worldview for Daily Life - Derek W. H. Thomas 5. The Christian Worldview of Sexuality - Mark Kelderman 6. A Christian Worldview of Suffering - Brian Cosby Part III: Flaming Truths for the Christian’s Zeal 7. Joyful Exiles: A Worldview for Pilgrims - Charles M. Barrett 8. Conforming Our Worldview to the Great Commission -Gerald Bilkes 9. Looking unto Jesus in This World to Follow Him into the Next - Charles M. Barrett
