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An Explorer's Guide to John Calvin
Creation is the theater of God's glory. Scripture is like a pair of glasses that clarifies our vision of God. Justification is the hinge on which religion turns. These and other affirmations are often associated with John Calvin, the 16th-century French Protestant Reformer best known for his ministry in Geneva and his authorship of the Institutes of the Christian Religion . Over the course of his lifetime and through several editions, Calvin expanded the Institutes from a brief study to a four-volume book that covers the main doctrines of the Christian faith and continues to shape the theology of the Reformed tradition. In this volume, Reformed theologian Yudha Thianto guides readers through a careful study of Calvin's Institutes . After setting Calvin and his writing in their historical context, he outlines the most significant aspects of Calvin's theology, guiding those who would know more about his work and, through it, the God who inspired him. Books in the Explorer's Guide series are accessible guidebooks for those studying the great Christian texts and theologians from church history, helping readers explore the context in which these texts were written and navigate the rich yet complex terrain of Christian theology.
256 pages, Paperback
Published July 12, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 3, 2022
As someone who considers myself to be reformed, this book was a natural draw for me and I am so very glad that I read it. Yudha Thianto’s writing is very accessible, engaging, and interesting. If Calvinism or John Calvin’s theology is new or different for you, this is a great book to learn about John Calvin as a person and how his theology was shaped by his readings of scripture. If you’ve ever struggled with reading Calvin’s Institutes, the second half of this book works towards simplifying and summarizing the theology Calvin taught in the Institutes. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and have already preordered it myself. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for this review!
November 2, 2024
An accessible and friendly introduction to Calvin the pastor-theologian. The first half of the book humanizes Calvin and the second half of the book serves as a handy roadmap outlining the central ideas of Calvin’s Institutes.
June 28, 2022
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
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WHAT'S AN EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO JOHN CALVIN ABOUT?
IVP Academic's website describes the Explorer's Guide Series as:
This volume focuses on John Calvin, the Genevan Reformer. Yudha Thianto has been introducing students at Trinity Christian College to Calvin for years. Now he aims to bring an accessible overview of his life and thought through this book.
PART ONE: CALVIN THE MAN
The first part of this book focuses on the historical context and the person of Calvin. Why do people still read him today? Why is he so important—or at least why is he regarded as such?
After sketching out why Calvin's worthy of study, Thianto gives a brief (34 page) biography of Calvin. I've read a handful of full-length biographies of John Calvin, and I learned a thing or two from this.
Thianto follows this biography with a FAQ about Calvin—addressing several important questions and controversies about him and his teaching. Several parts of that FAQ were impressive, and I appreciated his approach to it (he did duck a couple of typical controversial points that are brought up—but it's safe to argue that those are for less introductory works). Then he spends a chapter focusing on Calvin as a pastor. It covers some of the material from the biography, but from a different angle—and it covers a lot of additional material, too. Whatever Calvin's legacy may be, this chapter addresses what was likely the most important part of his life to him.
PART TWO: A GUIDE TO THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION?
A little more than half of the book is spent on the book Calvin's best known for. Thianto spends a chapter talking about the different editions the book went through, where Calvin was in his career when each was written, and discusses some of the major differences between editions.
The final version was the 1559 edition, which is composed of four books/parts. Thianto spends one chapter on each book—describing the flow of thought, some important arguments made, and the major doctrinal teachings.
This is not an easy work to summarize and condense into a little over 100 pages, and I'm sure some will say Thianto glossed over or skipped something important—he undoubtedly did. But he also covered most (if not all) of the essentials). Something like this part of the book would be great to have for someone diving into the book for the first time.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT AN EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO JOHN CALVIN?
First, I really like the idea for this series, and hope to get my hands on other volumes. Naturally, I think someone as ill-understood and intimidating as Calvin is a good subject for this kind of book.
I appreciated Thianto's approach to Calvin, the misunderstandings surrounding him (although he doesn't cover all of them), and his writings. His experiences in the classroom have given him a solid understanding of those things that need to be covered for someone's initial/early exposure to the Reformer, and it shows.
As this is supposed to be a guide for those with little-to-no exposure to Calvin, I can't complain about the lack of depth displayed on some issues—and I really wouldn't want to, anyway. The only thing that jumped out at me to make me wonder about the book is a point in the conclusion where he suggested that different beliefs about the Trinity are equivalent to differences regarding sacraments or predestination and that Calvin would see them as such. It was a minor point in the conclusion, and I think the overall point was sound—but the Trinity isn't something Calvin would put on the same level as a debatable point of doctrine.
This is a great resource—a fantastic introduction to Calvin and a handy guide to reading the Institutes for yourself. If you're curious about Calvin and don't want to do the heavy lifting required by a full biography and/or reading his Institutes, I'd strongly recommend picking this up and giving it a read (and hanging on to it for future reference).
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
---
WHAT'S AN EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO JOHN CALVIN ABOUT?
IVP Academic's website describes the Explorer's Guide Series as:
Anyone who has ventured into new territory knows the importance and benefit of having an experienced guide. Discovering the classics of Christian theology is no different.
The Explorer's Guide Series acts as a guide for those who are exploring some of the great Christian texts and theologians from the church's history.
Written by scholars with years of expertise, these volumes will acquaint readers with the sometimes unfamiliar context in which these classic texts were written and help readers navigate the rich yet often complex terrain of Christian theology. New and experienced readers alike will benefit from these volumes as they continue on their journey of faith.
This volume focuses on John Calvin, the Genevan Reformer. Yudha Thianto has been introducing students at Trinity Christian College to Calvin for years. Now he aims to bring an accessible overview of his life and thought through this book.
PART ONE: CALVIN THE MAN
The first part of this book focuses on the historical context and the person of Calvin. Why do people still read him today? Why is he so important—or at least why is he regarded as such?
After sketching out why Calvin's worthy of study, Thianto gives a brief (34 page) biography of Calvin. I've read a handful of full-length biographies of John Calvin, and I learned a thing or two from this.
Thianto follows this biography with a FAQ about Calvin—addressing several important questions and controversies about him and his teaching. Several parts of that FAQ were impressive, and I appreciated his approach to it (he did duck a couple of typical controversial points that are brought up—but it's safe to argue that those are for less introductory works). Then he spends a chapter focusing on Calvin as a pastor. It covers some of the material from the biography, but from a different angle—and it covers a lot of additional material, too. Whatever Calvin's legacy may be, this chapter addresses what was likely the most important part of his life to him.
PART TWO: A GUIDE TO THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION?
A little more than half of the book is spent on the book Calvin's best known for. Thianto spends a chapter talking about the different editions the book went through, where Calvin was in his career when each was written, and discusses some of the major differences between editions.
The final version was the 1559 edition, which is composed of four books/parts. Thianto spends one chapter on each book—describing the flow of thought, some important arguments made, and the major doctrinal teachings.
This is not an easy work to summarize and condense into a little over 100 pages, and I'm sure some will say Thianto glossed over or skipped something important—he undoubtedly did. But he also covered most (if not all) of the essentials). Something like this part of the book would be great to have for someone diving into the book for the first time.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT AN EXPLORER'S GUIDE TO JOHN CALVIN?
First, I really like the idea for this series, and hope to get my hands on other volumes. Naturally, I think someone as ill-understood and intimidating as Calvin is a good subject for this kind of book.
I appreciated Thianto's approach to Calvin, the misunderstandings surrounding him (although he doesn't cover all of them), and his writings. His experiences in the classroom have given him a solid understanding of those things that need to be covered for someone's initial/early exposure to the Reformer, and it shows.
As this is supposed to be a guide for those with little-to-no exposure to Calvin, I can't complain about the lack of depth displayed on some issues—and I really wouldn't want to, anyway. The only thing that jumped out at me to make me wonder about the book is a point in the conclusion where he suggested that different beliefs about the Trinity are equivalent to differences regarding sacraments or predestination and that Calvin would see them as such. It was a minor point in the conclusion, and I think the overall point was sound—but the Trinity isn't something Calvin would put on the same level as a debatable point of doctrine.
This is a great resource—a fantastic introduction to Calvin and a handy guide to reading the Institutes for yourself. If you're curious about Calvin and don't want to do the heavy lifting required by a full biography and/or reading his Institutes, I'd strongly recommend picking this up and giving it a read (and hanging on to it for future reference).
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from InterVarsity Press via NetGalley in exchange for this post—thanks to both for this.
May 8, 2023
Who was John Calvin, and what did he think about God? While some might be familiar with the term Calvinism, what did he contribute to the Reformed faith? In An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin, Yudah Thianto takes you on a tour of the life and mind of the great theologian John Calvin.
Thianto begins the first half of his book by introducing Calvin as his friend, even though they’ve lived hundreds of years apart. But it’s clear that Thianto truly understands Calvin, and he presents him honestly and fondly, and calling him friend does seem like a fitting title.
John Calvin, Pastor and Theologian
An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin begins with Calvin’s biography, and Thianto doesn’t skip over Calvin’s controversies. One such event in Calvin’s ministry was the execution of Michael Servetus, and we also learn that Calvin had his fair share of enemies.
Thianto is aware that Calvin is often seen as angry and dour, and he uses a Q&A section to combat this notion. He shows a softer side of Calvin, including how he loved his family as well as wanted the best for his church. I was particularly moved to read of Calvin’s work as a pastor and how he wrote letters to his congregants to comfort, encourage, and exhort them. His work is inspiring, and I hope to have the same passion for God’s truth and his people.
Institutes of the Christian Religion
The second half of the book is dedicated to Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Thianto gives a brief publication history and then guides you along to follow its theological topics. What this book does well is give the context for Calvin’s writings, revealing what he was standing against. For instance, Thianto notes that the people of Calvin’s time believed that the universe was created instantaneously. Calvin sought to correct this with a firm insistence that the universe was created in six days. This is an incredible way to showcase God’s order and process, and also his kindness towards humans in that the world was ready for them.
Another aspect of Thianto’s guidance in the Institutes is that he is able to give you a big-picture view of its theological themes. For example, Book Three is mainly concerned with how we are united with Christ, and this shows how we receive the blessings of Christ. The church of Rome is criticized, and again, Thianto tells you why this was necessary to include in Calvin’s writings.
The Great Reformer
The book ends with a call for you to examine some of your own theological leanings that might put you in disagreement with Calvin, such as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Trinity, and predestination. While we don’t have to agree with Calvin on everything, we can all find common footing in a faith that must be grounded in Scripture. Calvin was a man who fulfilled God’s call in his life despite controversy and difficulty. A highly accessible academic work, this book will be a favorite to recommend to those interested in the great reformer.
I received a media copy of An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin and this is my honest review.
Thianto begins the first half of his book by introducing Calvin as his friend, even though they’ve lived hundreds of years apart. But it’s clear that Thianto truly understands Calvin, and he presents him honestly and fondly, and calling him friend does seem like a fitting title.
John Calvin, Pastor and Theologian
An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin begins with Calvin’s biography, and Thianto doesn’t skip over Calvin’s controversies. One such event in Calvin’s ministry was the execution of Michael Servetus, and we also learn that Calvin had his fair share of enemies.
Thianto is aware that Calvin is often seen as angry and dour, and he uses a Q&A section to combat this notion. He shows a softer side of Calvin, including how he loved his family as well as wanted the best for his church. I was particularly moved to read of Calvin’s work as a pastor and how he wrote letters to his congregants to comfort, encourage, and exhort them. His work is inspiring, and I hope to have the same passion for God’s truth and his people.
Institutes of the Christian Religion
The second half of the book is dedicated to Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. Thianto gives a brief publication history and then guides you along to follow its theological topics. What this book does well is give the context for Calvin’s writings, revealing what he was standing against. For instance, Thianto notes that the people of Calvin’s time believed that the universe was created instantaneously. Calvin sought to correct this with a firm insistence that the universe was created in six days. This is an incredible way to showcase God’s order and process, and also his kindness towards humans in that the world was ready for them.
Another aspect of Thianto’s guidance in the Institutes is that he is able to give you a big-picture view of its theological themes. For example, Book Three is mainly concerned with how we are united with Christ, and this shows how we receive the blessings of Christ. The church of Rome is criticized, and again, Thianto tells you why this was necessary to include in Calvin’s writings.
The Great Reformer
The book ends with a call for you to examine some of your own theological leanings that might put you in disagreement with Calvin, such as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the Trinity, and predestination. While we don’t have to agree with Calvin on everything, we can all find common footing in a faith that must be grounded in Scripture. Calvin was a man who fulfilled God’s call in his life despite controversy and difficulty. A highly accessible academic work, this book will be a favorite to recommend to those interested in the great reformer.
I received a media copy of An Explorer’s Guide to John Calvin and this is my honest review.
August 29, 2022
This book is meant to be an introduction to the theologian John Calvin. If you have heard the name, or considered studying him but are too intimidated, then this book is the right place to start. Instead of just being a biography, this book functions like a tour guide letting you know all the stops and important information that you need to know. A bulk of the book focuses on Calvin's greatest work The Institutes of Christian Religion. He doesn't just summarize the Institutes but gives you a map. I think this book series is profoundly helpful in making theologians more accessible.
November 26, 2024
This was a brief bio on Calvin & a brief explanation of his Institutes. It presented historical, cultural, political and theological contexts on him. It was educational and a good intro to reading Institutes, which I aim to read someday. I think Thianto did a good job in explaining Calvin’s theological views without inferring whether he agreed or disagreed with them. I recommend the book.
December 30, 2022
Engaging and insightful, scholarly and tells a good story.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews