Image and Word in the Theology of John Calvin
Image and Word in the Theology of John Calvin

Author: Randall C. Zachman

Publisher:

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780268045005

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In his groundbreaking new study of the Swiss reformer, Randall C. Zachman reveals and analyzes John Calvin's understanding of image and word both comprehensively and chronologically, with attention to the way that each theme develops in Calvin's theology. For most scholars, John Calvin (1509-1564) insisted on the essential invisibility of God in order to deny that God could be represented in any kind of visible image. This claim formed one of his foundational arguments against the display of man-made images in worship. Given the transcendence of God, Calvin rejected the human attempt to create signs and symbols of God's presence on earth, especially the statues, images, and paintings present in Roman Catholic churches. Zachman argues, in contrast, that although Calvin rejects the use of what he calls dead images in worship, he does so to focus our attention on the living images of God in which the invisible God becomes somewhat visible. Word of God to clarify their meaning; we are only led to the true knowledge of God when we hold together the living images of God that we see with the Word of God that we hear. This combination of seeing and hearing pervades Calvin's theology, from his understanding of the self-revelation of God the Creator to his development of the self-manifestation of God the Redeemer in Jesus Christ. According to Zachman, Calvin maintains the same linking of seeing and hearing in our relationships with other human beings: We must always hold together what we see in others' gestures and actions with what we hear in their words, so that the hidden thoughts of their hearts might be manifested to us. Zachman's nuanced argument that Calvin holds image and word, manifestation and proclamation, in an inseparable relationship is relevant to all the major themes of Calvin's theology. It constitutes a highly significant and surprising contribution to our knowledge of the Reformation and an invitation to further study of theological aesthetics.

John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian
John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian

Author: Randall C. Zachman

Publisher: Baker Academic

Published: 2006-05-01

Total Pages: 288

ISBN-13: 1441241922

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John Calvin has been the subject of numerous studies, but most have focused on one aspect of his thought or a limited selection of his writings. This study of Calvin adopts a uniquely holistic approach. Randall Zachman begins with a brief biography and considers Calvin's own understanding of his ministry as a teacher and pastor. From this perspective, he surveys Calvin's writings and their place in the work of reforming the church--both through the training of clergy and the instruction of the laity. Zachman then considers Calvin as a theologian. In contrast to Martin Luther, Calvin sought to balance the verbal proclamation of the Word with an emphasis on the visible manifestation of God--both in creation and in Christ. This study will be of great interest to Reformed clergy and to students of the Reformation and Calvinism.

John Calvin
John Calvin

Author: W. Robert Godfrey

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2009-04-01

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1433521504

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An introduction to the essential life and thought of one of history's most influential theologians, who considered himself first and foremost a pilgrim and a pastor. July 10, 2009, marks the five-hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. As controversial as he was influential, his critics have named a judgmental and joyless attitude after him, while his admirers celebrate him as the principal theologian of Reformed Christianity. Yet his impact is unmistakable-a primary developer of western civilization whose life and work have deeply affected five centuries' worth of pastors, scholars, and individuals. What will surprise the readers of this book, however, is that Calvin did not live primarily to influence future generations. Rather, he considered himself first and foremost a spiritual pilgrim and a minister of the Word in the church of his day. It was from that "essential" Calvin that all his influence flowed. Here is an introduction to Calvin's life and thought and essence: a man who moved people not through the power of personality but through passion for the Word, a man who sought to serve the gospel in the most humble of roles.

Reconsidering John Calvin
Reconsidering John Calvin

Author: Randall C. Zachman

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 221

ISBN-13: 1107015758

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Places Calvin in conversation with theologians such as Barth and Kierkegaard and reconsiders his understanding of judgment and love.

Creator and Creation according to Calvin on Genesis
Creator and Creation according to Calvin on Genesis

Author: Rebekah Earnshaw

Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht

Published: 2020-07-13

Total Pages: 230

ISBN-13: 3647540838

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In her work Rebekah Earnshaw provides an analysis of Creator and creation according to Calvin on Genesis. This offers a new theological reading of Calvin's Genesis commentary and sermons, with an eye to systematic interests. This analysis is presented in four chapters: The Creator, The Agent and Act of Creation, Creatures, and Providence. Calvin on Genesis gives unique insights into each of these. First, the Creator has priority in Calvin's thought. The Creator is l'Eternal, who is infinitely distinct and abundantly for creatures in his virtues. Second, the agent of creation is triune and the act of creation is "from nothing" as well as in and with time. This is a purposeful beginning. Third, Calvin affirms creaturely goodness and order. The relation of humans and animals illustrates Calvin's holistic view of creation as well as the impact of corruption and disorder. Providential sustenance and concursus are closely tied to the nature of creatures and the initial word. Fourth, fatherly governance for the church is presented separately and demonstrated by Calvin's treatment of Abraham and Joseph. Earlier presentations of Calvin on Creator and creation are incomplete, because of the lack of sustained attention to Calvin on Genesis. This analysis supplements works that concentrated on the Institutes and Calvin on Job, by bringing new material to bear. Further, throughout this analysis lies the implicit example of a biblical theologian, who pursues what is useful from scripture for the sake of piety in the church. Insights from Calvin's thought on Genesis provide a foundation for systematic work that reflects on this locus and the integrated practice of theology.

An Explorer's Guide to John Calvin
An Explorer's Guide to John Calvin

Author: Yudha Thianto

Publisher: InterVarsity Press

Published: 2022-07-12

Total Pages: 226

ISBN-13: 1514001276

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In this careful study of John Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion, Reformed theologian Yudha Thianto sets Calvin's writings in their historical context and outlines the significant aspects of his theology for those who would know more about Calvin's works and through it, the God who inspired them.

The Cambridge Companion to John Calvin
The Cambridge Companion to John Calvin

Author: Donald K. McKim

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2004-06-17

Total Pages: 531

ISBN-13: 1107494680

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John Calvin (1509–64) stands with Martin Luther (1483–1546) as the premier theologian of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. Calvin's thought spread throughout Europe to the New World and later throughout the whole world. His insights and influence continue to endure today, presenting a model of theological scholarship grounded in Scripture as well as providing nurture for Christian believers within churches across the globe. Dr Donald K. McKim gathers together an international array of major Calvin scholars to consider phases of Calvin's theological thought and influence. Historians and theologians meet to present a full picture of Calvin's contexts, the major themes in Calvin's writings, and the ways in which his thought spread and has increasing importance. Chapters serve as guides to their topics and provide further readings for additional study. This is an accessible introduction to this significant Protestant reformer and will appeal to the specialist and non-specialist alike.

Calvin's Institutes
Calvin's Institutes

Author: Jean Calvin

Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press

Published: 2001-01-01

Total Pages: 220

ISBN-13: 9780664222987

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This abridgement of Ford Lewis Battles' Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion will better acquaint readers with the seminal work in Reformed theology. In an easy-to-read, concise format, Donald McKim follows the main development of Calvin's thought, accentuating his contributions without lingering over matters whose importance has become outdated.