Calvin: An Introduction to His Thought

by Thomas Henry Louis Parker

In this book, T. H. L. Parker provides a succinct but comprehensive look at the range of John Calvin's theology. In particular, Parker provides a fresh interpretation of Calvin's magnum opus, the Institutes of the Christian Religion , giving the reader a sense of what this important reformer and theologian valued as a Christian and as a thinker.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian

180 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1995

About the author

Thomas Henry Louis Parker

Reviews

[Scott Holstad · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hate very few people more than Calvin. This SOB ruined my life as I was born into and raised by a very strict Calvinist family that so traumatized me, I've spent my entire adult life in therapy and feel like I've gone nowhere. I absolutely HATE that bastard and his Calvinist/Presbyterian followers, his theological ideology and its hate filled bullshit. What a miserable man who went on to make millions of others miserable, afraid of daily existence, and cruel, evil bastards. Book is interesting, subject is a monster. Avoid Calvin and his teachings at all costs.

[Peter Swindeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear introduction to Calvin as a thinker. It cleared a lot of polemic air and put his anthropology within the context of the contemporary humanist movements.

[Greg Zorko · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty good introduction. It's not a critical work on Calvin and doesn't explore contemporary criticisms of Calvin in much detail.

[Tom Bazan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. I probably liked this book for at least a couple of reasons. First, I agree with most of what Calvin included in the Institutes. Second, Parker does a good job of organizing it, simplifying it, and quoting Calvin where necessary. My copy of the Institutes is on my shelf to read--I tried to start recently--but it is going to take me a long time to read. This, while it took me longer than I expected, is a great summation. It gives a complete thought of Calvin's summary of Christian thought. Naturally, it gets very thick--it isn't a quick or light read--but he doesn't shy away from controversial topics. And, Parker seems to have a good grasp of where arguments came and what they were refuting; this allows him to put some of the points in context. It will be helpful when reading further.