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John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian: The Shape of His Writings and Thought
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.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 13, 2013
Probably the first book I will recommend as an introduction to Calvin.
February 21, 2018
Randall Zachman is undoubtedly one of the best living Calvin scholars. He is careful and nuanced. John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian is a collection of his essays on John Calvin’s work and ministry. The book covers everything from Calvin and Melanchthon’s relationship to a consideration of what kind of book is Calvin’s Institutes, to an analysis of Calvin’s sermons on the book of Ephesians, to a comparison of image and word in Luther and Calvin.
All of that to say, while John Calvin is well written, the argument of the book is almost indiscernible. One feels that in Zachman’s conclusion where he finishes his book with these words, “this study has been attempted… in order to understand [his best-known writings’] place in the curriculum Calvin tirelessly created for the school of Christ.” Like the good academic he is, Zachman is not going after sweeping pronouncements, but fine tweaks on the interpretation of the place of Calvin’s works.
While helpful as a resource for those who are waist-deep in Calvin studies, then, the book is much less helpful for the lay reader. There is no attempt to re-work Zachman’s essays into a larger argument, or even provide a progression in the midst of those essays. For that reason, I would recommend that the reader pick up the book and read essays they have a particular interest in instead of working one’s way through the entire book.
My favorite of Zachman’s essays was his lively essay “The Universe as the Living Image of God” where he takes on those who name Calvin among those who are responsible for current ecological exploitation. On the contrary, Zachman argues, “According to Calvin, God excludes no creature from God’s care ,and neither should we.” In Calvin’s own words, “Moreover, that this economy and this diligence, with respect to those good things which God has given us to enjoy, may flourish among us; let every one regard himself as the steward of God in all things which he possesses. Then he will neither conduct himself dissolutely, nor corrupt by abuse those things which God requires to be preserved.”
Even given my esteem for Zachman, unless you have a strongly academic bent in your interest in Calvin, I would look elsewhere for a book on Calvin’s preaching and teaching.
All of that to say, while John Calvin is well written, the argument of the book is almost indiscernible. One feels that in Zachman’s conclusion where he finishes his book with these words, “this study has been attempted… in order to understand [his best-known writings’] place in the curriculum Calvin tirelessly created for the school of Christ.” Like the good academic he is, Zachman is not going after sweeping pronouncements, but fine tweaks on the interpretation of the place of Calvin’s works.
While helpful as a resource for those who are waist-deep in Calvin studies, then, the book is much less helpful for the lay reader. There is no attempt to re-work Zachman’s essays into a larger argument, or even provide a progression in the midst of those essays. For that reason, I would recommend that the reader pick up the book and read essays they have a particular interest in instead of working one’s way through the entire book.
My favorite of Zachman’s essays was his lively essay “The Universe as the Living Image of God” where he takes on those who name Calvin among those who are responsible for current ecological exploitation. On the contrary, Zachman argues, “According to Calvin, God excludes no creature from God’s care ,and neither should we.” In Calvin’s own words, “Moreover, that this economy and this diligence, with respect to those good things which God has given us to enjoy, may flourish among us; let every one regard himself as the steward of God in all things which he possesses. Then he will neither conduct himself dissolutely, nor corrupt by abuse those things which God requires to be preserved.”
Even given my esteem for Zachman, unless you have a strongly academic bent in your interest in Calvin, I would look elsewhere for a book on Calvin’s preaching and teaching.
August 10, 2023
This book is a collection of essays on Calvin's writings that might help Calvin scholars but will be disappointing for a lay person.
Zachman might be a significant Calvin scholar, but these essays do not work as a book. They do not seem to be reworked to make a coherent argument. Each chapter reads like a summary of Calvin's thought on a particular subject. I finished the book wondering what the point of it was. I probably wouldn't recommend this one except to those who who are already deep in their study on Calvin.
Zachman might be a significant Calvin scholar, but these essays do not work as a book. They do not seem to be reworked to make a coherent argument. Each chapter reads like a summary of Calvin's thought on a particular subject. I finished the book wondering what the point of it was. I probably wouldn't recommend this one except to those who who are already deep in their study on Calvin.
December 22, 2017
Useful chapters on various aspects of the thought, theology, and praxis of John Calvin. The chapters were adapted from previous papers of the author, but to his credit he avoided repetition of points. An interesting side effect of the book was to clarify Reformed Theology to a non-expert in the subject. The passages dealing with Christology and soteriology were particularly good.
November 5, 2009
Great so far! It's changed my entire view of Calvin and given me a deeper appreciation for his pastoral care and ministry.
September 17, 2010
Excellent coverage of Calvin's thought; from an array of angles, very clear and cogent in style.
January 2, 2011
A really well organized treatment of just what the title indicates.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews