Sunday, May 2, 2010

Calvin

Calvin Calvin by Bruce Gordon


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Gordon reveals a Calvin who loved and hated; who believed in God’s sovereignty and sometimes manipulated; whose powerful intellect contrasted his weak body. His ability to interpret the Bible is what stands him out from all other 16th century writers (p.vii). If Luther’s discovery was justification by faith, Calvin’s was the Church (p.vii). He sensed that his was a special calling and often identified himself with the great characters of the Bible—especially the Apostle Paul. He invested heavily in relationships: “Much of the attention of this book will be focused upon the ebb and flow of his contacts” (p.ix).

Gordon’s biography is intended for those who are interested in Calvin but know little about him and his 16th century background (p.xi). I fit that audience perfectly, and am thus qualified to say that Gordon delivers.

In reading this book I learned about the prevailing political and religious tensions which form the background to Calvin’s life. I also learned about his privileged education in law and humanism, his conversion, and his life of exile in Switzerland. His primary allies were Farel, Viret, Bullinger, and Bucer. His most hated enemies were Servetus, Castellio, and Westphal. Brutal opposition makes Calvin’s achievements all the more noteworthy. His establishing the Reformation in Geneva, writing of The Institutes and many commentaries, were all accomplished despite the great pressure against him.

The matter of Michael Servetus is handled in chapter 13 (pp. 217-232). While not convincing me (nor trying to) that Calvin was entirely innocent, the context and detail Gordon provides go a long way to helping me understand the (limited) role Calvin played in the affair.

Biographies I’ve read of great men of God like Robert M’Cheyne and Robert Chapman challenged me to groCw in the life of holiness and conformity to Christ. This biography of Calvin leaves me wanting to grow in discipline in the life of the mind.

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8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Nice review, Mike!

Out of curiosity, what is the general gist of Gordon's take on the Servetus incident? In what sense does he say Calvin was involved?

-Joel

MJK said...

Thanks Joel.

According to Gordon, Calvin's role was limited: He recommended that Servetus be detained (p.218); he wrote a document outlining Servetus' life and teaching (p.219); he discussed (and demolished) Servetus' teachings in a discussion with the heretic in Latin (p.220); wrote letters accompanying the official letters of the council to numerous communities, urging them to support a severe sentence (p.221, 224); once the council had passed sentence, Calvin tried to lessen the severity of the punishment to death by sword, rather than by fire; and he visited him and urged him to recant and live (p.223). Gordon notes that Calvin's influence with the council at that time was weak, and it was the council's decision--not Calvin's--to condemn the man.

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Mike - this is a helpful summary.

So...why do you believe that Calvin was not entirely innocent? What was he culpable for in the burning of Servetus?

-Joel

MJK said...

Joel, Calvin didn't decide to execute Servetus, but he did desire it, and used whatever influence he had towards that end. I find it hard to believe that Christ would find such actions and intentions blameless, but I'm anxious to hear your perspective...

~ Mike

Anonymous said...

Mike,

I would disagree that Calvin "used whatever influence he had toward that end." In fact, on at least one occasion, Calvin risked his life to meet with Servetus.

I know you're a busy family man, :) but if you have time, there's a 20-minute clip from one of James White's webcasts where he discusses Calvin and Servetus, which approximates my view on the issue:

http://tquid.sharpens.org/calvin.mp3

-Joel

MJK said...

White's webcast was very helpful. I can now see how Calvin could, with just motives, recommend Servetus' arrest, and write to others to cast their votes against Servetus.

Out of curiosity, would you see the political situation in Calvin's Geneva, where the secular court could condemn someone for his theological beliefs, as ideal or non-ideal?

Anonymous said...

Mike,

Not all theological beliefs are equal. That's important to note at the outset of this type of question.

That said, I would regard as ideal the state's punishment of those theological beliefs that God demanded that the state punish in the Old Testament (e.g., blasphemy).

There is only one standard for political ethics and that is God's word; otherwise, we have the state and political leaders doing what is right in their own eyes just like the judges in the OT.

-Joel

MJK said...

Wow. Wish I could spend an evening with you asking you about this. Next time you're doing business in Austin please look me up :)

How many people do you know who think this way? 5? 20? 100?

~Mike