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John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor
An introduction to the essential life and thought of one of history's most influential theologians, who considered himself first and foremost a pilgrim and a pastor. July 10, 2009, marked the five-hundredth anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. As controversial as he was influential, his critics have named a judgmental and joyless attitude after him, while his admirers celebrate him as the principal theologian of Reformed Christianity. Yet his impact is unmistakable-a primary developer of western civilization whose life and work have deeply affected five centuries' worth of pastors, scholars, and individuals. What will surprise the readers of this book, however, is that Calvin did not live primarily to influence future generations. Rather, he considered himself first and foremost a spiritual pilgrim and a minister of the Word in the church of his day. It was from that "essential" Calvin that all his influence flowed. Here is an introduction to Calvin's life and thought and a man who moved people not through the power of personality but through passion for the Word, a man who sought to serve the gospel in the most humble of roles.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2009
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About the author
W. Robert Godfrey
40 books41 followersDr. Godfrey has taught church history at Westminster Seminary California since 1981. He taught previously at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Stanford University, and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is the third president of Westminster Seminary California and is a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America. He has spoken at many conferences including those sponsored by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and Ligonier Ministries.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 29, 2022
O biografie mai scurtă, acceptabilă despre persoana, lucrarea și gândirea lui Calvin. Ca introducere, merge. Ediția din limba română este foarte slabă, din păcate. Nu consider că merită timpul și nici banii. Pentru a studia viața unui titan, precum Calvin, recomand alte resurse precum cartea lui Bruce Gordon, sau cea de la Crossway, John Calvin-For a new reformation, de la Editura Crossway.
December 21, 2017
Checking in at 200ish pages, it is clear that Godfrey took Calvin’s comments about brevity to heart.
“…the chief virtue of an interpreter lies in clear brevity.” – John Calvin
In this short volume, he covers a brief outline of Calvin’s life and a detailed presentation of Calvin’s theology, including his agreement, contrasts and relationship with other magisterial reformers.
Leaning heavily into primary sources including Calvin’s publications and private correspondence, Godfrey draws a suitable outline of Calvin as a Christian, Calvin as a theologian and Calvin as a pastor. The book reads a bit longer than it’s page length because long sections of primary sources are quoted in a small font that may be difficult for older readers. It is clear that Godfrey admires and appreciates Calvin, and equally clear that the numerous evangelical stars (Sproul, Ferguson, Horton) attesting to his work appreciate Godfrey (ala the heavy marketing recommendations).
I found the biographic information to be too sparse for my liking and the theological details more than I expected. Chapters on worship, the sacrements, predestination and midieval government were particularly interesting and enlightening. This is an excellent introduction to Calvin for the academic or theologically minded.
However, were I to pick one book on John Calvin, for my library and to gift to others, I prefer the accessibility of Simonetta Carr’s work. Carr focus’ on the general context of his times and Calvin personally, with glimpses of his key theological insights.
John Calvin, Simonetta Carr, 2008
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For Calvin’s contemporary, Martin Luther see
Martin Luther, Simonetta Carr, 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
“…the chief virtue of an interpreter lies in clear brevity.” – John Calvin
In this short volume, he covers a brief outline of Calvin’s life and a detailed presentation of Calvin’s theology, including his agreement, contrasts and relationship with other magisterial reformers.
Leaning heavily into primary sources including Calvin’s publications and private correspondence, Godfrey draws a suitable outline of Calvin as a Christian, Calvin as a theologian and Calvin as a pastor. The book reads a bit longer than it’s page length because long sections of primary sources are quoted in a small font that may be difficult for older readers. It is clear that Godfrey admires and appreciates Calvin, and equally clear that the numerous evangelical stars (Sproul, Ferguson, Horton) attesting to his work appreciate Godfrey (ala the heavy marketing recommendations).
I found the biographic information to be too sparse for my liking and the theological details more than I expected. Chapters on worship, the sacrements, predestination and midieval government were particularly interesting and enlightening. This is an excellent introduction to Calvin for the academic or theologically minded.
However, were I to pick one book on John Calvin, for my library and to gift to others, I prefer the accessibility of Simonetta Carr’s work. Carr focus’ on the general context of his times and Calvin personally, with glimpses of his key theological insights.
John Calvin, Simonetta Carr, 2008
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For Calvin’s contemporary, Martin Luther see
Martin Luther, Simonetta Carr, 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 19, 2022
Was a nice primer and I think helpful for those of us who can lapse into deification of Calvin and make an idol of our theology. It’s a sympathetic biography, to be sure, but is very clear that Calvin was human, suffered with sin, and made mistakes.
One of Robert Godfrey’s last lines in the book about Calvin being buried in an unmarked grave really struck me:
“He rejected the superstitious veneration of the dead and wanted no pilgrims to his grave. He had lived to make Christians, not Calvinists.”
One of Robert Godfrey’s last lines in the book about Calvin being buried in an unmarked grave really struck me:
“He rejected the superstitious veneration of the dead and wanted no pilgrims to his grave. He had lived to make Christians, not Calvinists.”
April 3, 2024
Really good introduction to Calvin's life and theological thought. Godfrey has more of a primary focus on Calvin through his works, mostly his Institutes and commentaries, when compared with Selderhuis' biography, which takes a very close look at Calvin himself through his personal letters. Godfrey's biography is keen at focusing on Calvin's theology with a tasteful avoidance of too much contextual explaination, which is a helpful contrast (whereas Selderhuis is invaluable in explaining to a contemporary audience more about Calvin himself, his struggles, and the world he lived in). Definitely recommended for those who want to learn more about Calvin from a sympathetic perspective.
July 19, 2019
A good introductory book to John Calvin's life and theology. It is very accessible and succinct for those seeking a general understanding of Calvin's life and thought. It is sprinkled with quotes from Calvin's various writings that lend weight to Godfrey's portrait. Despite the book's brevity I learned much about Calvin that I didn't know and Godfrey successfully presents a sympathetic, yet three-dimensional portrait of this great theologian.
February 21, 2019
I think it is an honest well written book. But I think it has a lot of theological quotations that makes the reading heavy. The book is more about Calvin's theology than Calvin himself or his influence. Although the author has an amenable style of writing, the book turns many times scholarly. Overall, the book is a good introduction to Calvin's work.
October 7, 2019
A good, accessible, shortish biography on John Calvin. I really appreciated his chapters on the sacraments and the chapter on the Institutes. Though I disagree on the view of baptism Godfry's carful work on Calvin's thought on these ordinances is helpful.
July 7, 2022
A decent introduction to Calvin as it is easy to read and not too lengthy. It didn’t quite meet my expectations in that I wanted something more inspirational. I also was hoping that the author would address Calvinism.
December 26, 2017
More an overview of Calvin's theology than a biography, which makes sense because we don't actually know much about Calvin's life. Very well written and interesting.
December 28, 2017
Gentle overview, lots of excellent quotes.
October 1, 2020
Very well written good over view of both Calvin's life, and theology
January 23, 2021
Have always wanted to read more about Calvin and his upbringing and life. This was a good introduction to his life & times.
December 30, 2023
"He had lived to make Christians, not Calvinists"
June 7, 2025
Good intro to Calvin, maybe a little more theological than historical, and not super in depth either, but helpful for getting an overview on his thinking.
August 25, 2020
There is not a lot of information on Calvin's life, but this book does a good job of presenting what is known and it does a good job of summarizing Calvin's theology. He quotes Calvin extensively.
November 20, 2011
This is one of those biographies that I got at the scary Christian bookstore. I went in looking for a particular book on Saint Francis and picked up a bunch of things, including this. I had only a vague idea of who Calvin was and why he was important. Having read this, however, I now understand what the Reformation was, what it means to be a Dutch Reformed Church (for example). I also understand that this started out as a revolutionary movement - teaching everyone to read? Unthinkable. This was the first step at taking power away from the church and the priests and giving it to the people. The idea was that everyone (which really meant all European men, but I'm feeling forgiving today) should be able to read the Christian Bible (and that they should do it everyday, but that's not really important), which enabled people to begin to interpret passages for themselves and, more importantly, to question the interpretation and the doctrine of the Church. Is anyone surprised that people wanted him executed?
I disagree with a large amount of what Calvin believed and don't really care very much about what he did. Except for two things: he was instrumental in the first steps of bringing literacy to the masses and as a result should be considered instrumental in bringing the ability and power to think critically to the masses as well. If only everyone made use of the opportunities he brought to us.
I disagree with a large amount of what Calvin believed and don't really care very much about what he did. Except for two things: he was instrumental in the first steps of bringing literacy to the masses and as a result should be considered instrumental in bringing the ability and power to think critically to the masses as well. If only everyone made use of the opportunities he brought to us.
February 18, 2014
This little biography of one of the greatest theologians of the reformation shows that John Calvin is much more than just 'the predestination guy' as I took him to be when I was in high school. This book shows that of all of Calvin's writings, predestination is but a small part. I particularly enjoyed the section on Calvin's view of praise and worship. But the one thing to take away is that no matter the theological question, Calvin always turned to the scriptures to reinforce his beliefs.
"Rome argued that the canon, text, authority, and interpretation of the Bible all rested on the recognition and interpretation given them by the teaching authority of the church. The Reformers, in response, argued for the authority of the Bible as establishing the church and standing over the church to reform it. For Calvin the work of the Spirit replaces the role that Rome gives to the church as the ultimate authority conforming the Scriptures as God's Word."
W. Robert Godfrey, John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor Page 184
To those who wish to know and understand one of the heroes of the reformation, this book is for you.
"Rome argued that the canon, text, authority, and interpretation of the Bible all rested on the recognition and interpretation given them by the teaching authority of the church. The Reformers, in response, argued for the authority of the Bible as establishing the church and standing over the church to reform it. For Calvin the work of the Spirit replaces the role that Rome gives to the church as the ultimate authority conforming the Scriptures as God's Word."
W. Robert Godfrey, John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor Page 184
To those who wish to know and understand one of the heroes of the reformation, this book is for you.
May 5, 2016
A good overview of Calvin's theology. I was hoping for more personal biography to go along with the theological analysis, but this isn't that kind of book.
It's true that there aren't a great deal of sources for a personal biography of Calvin, we simply don't know all that much about him, and Godfrey certainly gives us enough to follow the main events of his life. I would have liked to know more about his wife, their courtship and marriage, and his stepchildren, but that wasn't the focus of the book.
Godfrey does do a good job summarizing Calvin's main theological positions, with copious, well-organized and on point passages from the Institutes, commentaries, sermons, letters and quotations. For that alone it's to be recommended.
It's true that there aren't a great deal of sources for a personal biography of Calvin, we simply don't know all that much about him, and Godfrey certainly gives us enough to follow the main events of his life. I would have liked to know more about his wife, their courtship and marriage, and his stepchildren, but that wasn't the focus of the book.
Godfrey does do a good job summarizing Calvin's main theological positions, with copious, well-organized and on point passages from the Institutes, commentaries, sermons, letters and quotations. For that alone it's to be recommended.
February 11, 2013
In his characteristic clarity, Dr. Godfrey has served the evangelical community by having written a wonderful introduction to the life and mind of John Calvin.
It is easy to accept as fact much misconstrued interpretations of a man with such influence as Calvin. Godfrey, committed to academic integrity as well as readability for the lay, carefully outlines the historical developments of Calvin.
For those interested in Calvin, or even for those with PhD's in Calvin, will benefit from this refreshingly clear and fluid study in Calvin's life.
It is easy to accept as fact much misconstrued interpretations of a man with such influence as Calvin. Godfrey, committed to academic integrity as well as readability for the lay, carefully outlines the historical developments of Calvin.
For those interested in Calvin, or even for those with PhD's in Calvin, will benefit from this refreshingly clear and fluid study in Calvin's life.
January 14, 2024
Wonderful
I’ve read much on John Calvin but this is one of the more enjoyable books thus far. Godfrey paints a picture of Calvin as the pastor more clearly than I’ve seen in past studies. He has a great balance of history and Calvin’s theology. You’ll find in depth chapters on worship, the church, predestination, providence and the Word of God. Both Educational and inspirational, the essential ingredients that make up an entertaining and profitable biography.
I’ve read much on John Calvin but this is one of the more enjoyable books thus far. Godfrey paints a picture of Calvin as the pastor more clearly than I’ve seen in past studies. He has a great balance of history and Calvin’s theology. You’ll find in depth chapters on worship, the church, predestination, providence and the Word of God. Both Educational and inspirational, the essential ingredients that make up an entertaining and profitable biography.
April 30, 2014
Must read for all Calvinists, Reformed and Students of The Word
Great Book! Learn who Calvin really was and what he stood for. Read this first, then read Horton's new book on Calvin to compare and contrast. Then you'll have a good, solid foundation to tackle the Institutes and his commentaries.
Great Book! Learn who Calvin really was and what he stood for. Read this first, then read Horton's new book on Calvin to compare and contrast. Then you'll have a good, solid foundation to tackle the Institutes and his commentaries.
November 12, 2014
A good book to read either before or after Calvin's Institutes. Simple, clear, informative. I appreciated how the author was willing to show Calvin's faults, but nevertheless highlight the great pastoral heart that Calvin had. And I previously didn't know that Calvin was by nature shy and introverted - being challenged into public ministry by William Farel. Good to know
December 2, 2009
Very readable discussion of Calvin at a personal level. Often associated with a single issue, this illustrates how his passion for theology grew from a pastor's heart. Whether you see yourself as "Calvinist" or not, you'll better appreciate the contributions he made to us all.
July 4, 2011
A good biography of Calvin's life. I especially appreciated the in depth study of his relationships with others. There was a good summary of his doctrines and institutes which would be a helpful introduction to "Calvinist" thought.
August 17, 2009
A good read looking at Calvin under various heads.
September 26, 2010
Dry reading, but informative.
November 13, 2013
This is a comprehensive and readable account of Calvin's life, theology and ministry. Enjoyable to read and a very useful reference book.
February 8, 2014
Fairly rote exploration of Calvin's thought, though his influence comes through clearly
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews