John Calvin, a pilgrims life - Softcover

Selderhuis, Herman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1844743756 ISBN 13: 9781844743759

Publisher: IVP, 2009

Synopsis

There are many biographies of John Calvin, the theologian - some vilifying him and others extolling his virtues - but few that reveal John Calvin, the man.
Professor and renowned Reformation historian Herman Selderhuis has written this book to bring Calvin near to the reader, showing him as a man who had an impressive impact on the development of the Western world, but who was first of all a believer struggling with God and with the way God governed both the world and his own life.

Selderhuis draws on Calvin's own publications and commentary on the biblical figures with whom he strongly identified to describe his theology in the context of his personal development. Throughout we see a person who found himself alone at many of the decisive moments of his life - a fact that echoed through Calvin's subsequent sermons and commentaries. Selderhuis's unique and compelling look at John Calvin, with all of his merits and foibles, ultimately discloses a man who could not find himself at home in the world in which he lived.

About this title

Review

"One would think that with all the biographies of John Calvin through the centuries there would be nothing new to say. Think again! Veteran Calvin scholar Herman Selderhuis has followed Calvin himself in going 'back to the sources' and provides a portrait of Calvin drawn exclusively from Calvin's own writings. The result is a fresh and invigorating look at the human person behind all the caricatures, the faithful servant of Christ who saw his life as being lived in the providence of God--a God whose ways he often did not understand. Find here a fully human Calvin whose commitment to the 'pilgrim life' instructs and inspires us still today."--Donald K. McKim, editor of Readings in Calvin's Theology, The Cambridge Companion to John Calvin and Calvin and the Bible

"This is simply one of the best biographies of Calvin I have seen. Selderhuis has managed admirably to combine keen academic insight with a clear, engaging writing style and many delicious details. For all who are curious about Calvin, Selderhuis's John Calvin: A Pilgrim's Life is the place to begin."--Frank A. James III, president, Reformed Theological Seminary

"A delightful new biography of Calvin by one of Europe's leading Reformation scholars. Selderhuis does not simply rehash the events of Calvin's life; he weaves those events into a story of a man on a geographical, theological and spiritual pilgrimage--or more precisely, a story of a man on a pilgrimage."--Lyle D. Bierma, Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

"This new and engagingly written interpretation of Calvin by a major scholar will be very useful for jaded readers who are willing to give Calvin another chance--and rediscover the very human, very realy sixteenth-century person."--Elsie McKee, Interpretation, January 2011

"The genius of this book lies not, admittedly, in its revelation of novel biographical facts about Calvin but in the humanity it manages to impart to a subject who, despite frequent scrutiny, has somehow remained so ethereal for several centuries."--Aaron Denlinger, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology

"A close and intimate look at the reformer of Geneva whose thoughts are shown to be more complex and feelings even richer than may seem on the surface. Any clear writing that reintroduces and stimulates interest in the life and thought of this great reformer is to be greatly appreciated."--Sung-Sup Kim, Koinonia

"A fascinating book, easy to read and extremely interesting. Once having dipped into it, one finds the book hard to lay aside. This is an attractive feature and recommends it for future reading. Anyone, including high school students with an interest in their heritage, will find it worthwhile."--Herman Hanko, Protestant Reformed Theological Journal, April 2010

"Selderhuis has written a beautiful biography. One of the major contemporary interpreters of Calvin's life and thought, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this refreshingly readable, entertaining, informative biography. Highly recommended."--D.M. Whitford, Choice, July 2009

"Selderhuis has uncovered numerous facts not found in other biographies about the Reformer's life and thought."--David B. Calhoun, Presbyterion: Covenant Seminary Review

"In the midst of the proliferation of new titles on Calvin, this new biography stands out as a gem. Selderhuis exhibits a wealth of knowledge of the sources on Calvin's life and locates Calvin squarely within the setting of the sixteenth-century Reformation."--Cornelis P. Venema, Mid-America Journal of Theology, 2009

From the Back Cover

'Five hundred years after the birth of John Calvin, the reformer of Geneva continues to loom large as one of the most formative figures in Christian history, and one of the most difficult to know up close and personal. Based on a careful reading of Calvin's letters and other sources, Herman Selderhuis presents here a fresh new biography. Calvin emerges as neither hero nor villain, but rather as a flawed and forgiven pilgrim who never lost sight of his final destination and inspired many others along the way. A wonderful introduction to a great teacher of the church!'

Timothy George, dean, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, and general editor, Reformation Commentary on Scripture

About this edition

• Publisher: IVP
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 1844743756
• ISBN 13: 9781844743759
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304