Calvin: A Guide for the Perplexed

Guides for the Perplexed

by Paul Helm

John Calvin has been the subject of widespread misunderstanding and misinterpretation. He is a figure whom other theologians either seek to "capture" to endorse their own, often very different, positions or whom they seek to vilify. A Guide for the Perplexed attempts to "re-situate" Calvin by providing a mid-level introduction to his thought. As befits the series, special attention is given to Calvin's thought, not on his character or career. The focus here is not only on Calvin's theological positions, but also on the philosophy intertwined within them, the significance of which is often overlooked.

Genres: Philosophy, Theology, Religion, History

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Paul Helm teached philosophy at the University of Liverpool before becoming Professor of the History and Philosophy of Religion at King s College, London (1993-2000).

Reviews

[Ryan Jankowski]

Supremely strange title for a book that is more-or-less a brief survey of Calvin's Institutes, with a few pieces of history to anchor its context (the Servetus affair as an example), coupled with a bit of biographical material on Calvin. Overall, not particularly insightful or helpful.

[Peter Kiss]

The writing in this is incredibly dense and it was a tough book to get through. I found it to be very insightful, but the overall book maybe didn't have a clear scope. I wasn't sure what to expect; I was hoping the book would be a remedy for any reluctant Calvinists, but it dealt less with specific theological issues and more broadly with all of Calvin's theology and history. Still, a great resource to reference.

[Greg Parker]

helpful for its purpose - odd how frequently Helm brings Aquinas into the conversation.

[Elise]

Excellent introduction to Calvin's theology. Solid and meaty without being overly technical. Read this as preparation for tacking the Institutes. I wish I had.

[Cbarrett]

Excellent introductory treatment to the theology of John Calvin.