Spending 2009 with Calvin

My 2009 readings have included Bruce Gordon's Life of Calvin, Joel Beeke's Soul of Life: Piety of John Calvin; and W. Stanford Reid's John Calvin: His Influence in the Western World , not to mention commemorative articles and editions of virtually every one of the religious and church magazines I read. While my good intentions of systematically re-reading the Institutes only lasted a few months (and just into Book II), there was plenty of opportunity to dig into Calvin's own writings for various projects and it struck me today that I probably have spent more time on Calvin this year than on any other individual historical person in any other year of my life. I might claim Time magazine's listing of "new Calvinism: as one of the ten ideas changing the world right now as reason for this focus, but most readers of this page know that is really not the case.

This observation came as I do some overdue filing and re-skim of a few of the pieces that I have marked for safekeeping. Included in these are the articles I wrote for Christian Renewal covering the Calvin500 conference in Geneva this past summer. Given that CR is not an on-line magazine, I have posted these articles on my issuu page so they are available on-line.





So what have I learned about or from this focus on Calvin? The articles referenced above contain my reflections on the Geneva conference which place his contribution in historical and theological perspective. I have also gained a greater appreciation for the broader brush strokes of history. In many cases,it was helpful to mentally connect the dots between Calvin and the contemporary author's present position in order to properly understand the appreciation or critique that was being directed Calvin's way. By dealing with several of these in short succession, one also is reminded that no individual has control of their own ideas once they are put into the public. Even among those who would consider themselves heirs of Calvin, there is considerable diversity of opinion on contemporary and historical issues, and it would be folly for each of us to recruit Calvin to our cause. Debates take place in a particular context and circumstance.

But beyond reminding me of the importance of context and method in assessing and applying ideas, having spent 2009 with Calvin provides a timely reminder of the importance of simple obedience in service of God. John Calvin was surely aware of the significance of his ideas during his own time, but I am certain he would not have imagined the place he would have in history. Neither did he set out to make for himself such a place. He simply lived his life, dealing with the issues of his day in the way he best could, and it was the kind dealings of providence that utilized His contribution for such historic influence. As we enter a new year, good advice to take to heart.