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Calvin (2009)

by F. Bruce Gordon(Favorite Author)

4 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

0300120761 (ISBN13: 9780300120769)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Yale University Press

review 1: A few years back I decided to find out what the big deal was with Calvin so I picked up an (abridged) copy of the Institutes. To my surprise I found his focus was pastoral and his communication clear. HIs life was considerably more complicated than his work. As Gordon makes clear Calvin lifted in difficult times and struggled to navigate the turbulent political and ecclesiastical waters in a way consistent with the gospel. It was more complex than I imagined and I appreciate this book for that perspective. I find that complexity encouraging because the worst of our times as well can be navigated in Christ. That Calvin's work and legacy have been so fruitful is testimony to the Spirit's work in his life.
review 2: I went to a Calvinist church, grade school... more, high school, summer camp, and Calvin College, without ever learning a thing about the guy's life. The figure that emerges from Gordon's highly readable biography is an intellectually ferocious theologian with an arrogant streak, a head for movement-building, an astounding work ethic, and a keen sense of being called by God. Calvin finds a model for his own life in the apostle Paul, certain that he is divinely chosen in the same way as Paul. Yet Calvin also could be spiteful toward friends and enemies, and he participated, at least on the periphery, of the execution of a rival (Servetus) and an assassination/coup attempt in France.Gordon's book shows the extent that conflict defined Calvin's Reformation-era world. I don't think he makes enough of Calvin's lifelong bowel troubles (poor guy), and the influence of said condition on his theology. less

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