A selection of the writings of John Calvin that showcases his powerful and far-reaching legacy, which extends beyond the many modern Protestants who inherited his beliefs, having played a foundational role in shaping America's very identity. A VINTAGE SPIRITUAL CLASSICS ORIGINAL
This selection of the writings of John Calvin (1509-1564) is the first for general readers to appear in many years. It showcases his powerful legacy, which has had far-reaching consequences for the development of religion and culture in Western Europe and in the
shaping of American identity. Calvin was a prodigious preacher and writer, and his sermons, Bible commentaries, tracts, and letters fill dozens of volumes. The works chosen for John Calvin- Steward of God's Covenant highlight ideas central to the Reformation but also to his influence on modern life, e.g., the importance of a work ethic and the notion of being ""called"" to action in the world; his belief in universal education for boys and girls; and his belief in the sanctity and freedom of individual conscience. Calvin's theology of the ""elect"" of God motivated the English and Dutch Calvinists who settled the Atlantic seaboard, their Promised Land. The traditions of their communities and churches and laws produced the widespread present-day American belief in a divinely favored national destiny.
In her brilliant preface to this edition, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Marilynne Robinson makes the clearest connection between John Calvin's own biblical and patristic heritage and the heritage he in turn left the modern world.
ABOUT THE VINTAGE SPIRITUAL CLASSICS by John F. Thornton and Susan B. Varenne, General Editors PREFACE TO THE VINTAGE SPIRITUAL CLASSICS EDITION by Marilynne Robinson CHRONOLOGY OF THE LIFE OF JOHN CALVIN A NOTE ON THE TEXTS From THE NECESSITY OF REFORMING THE CHURCH (1543) From THE INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION Of the Knowledge of God the Creator (Book 1, Chapters 1–5) The Life of a Christian (Book 3, Chapters 6–10) Of Prayer (Book 3, Chapter 20) COMMENTARY ON SCRIPTURE The Old Testament —The Author’s Preface to the Commentary on the Psalms —Psalm 16 —Psalm 23 —Psalm 51 —Psalm 90 —Isaiah 55:1–13 The New Testament —Matthew 5:1–12 / Luke 6:20–26 (The Beatitudes) —Matthew 7:1–5 / Mark 4:24 / Luke 6:37–42 (Judge not . . .”) —Matthew 8:5–13 / Luke 7:1–10 (The Cure of the Centurion’s Servant) —Luke 7:36–50 (The Woman Who Was a Sinner) —Matthew 27:45–56 / Mark 15:33–41 / Luke 23:44–49 (The Crucifixion) —Matthew 28:1–7 / Mark 16:1–7 / Luke 24:1–8 (The Women at the Tomb of Jesus) —John 14:15–18 (“If you love me, keep my commandments.”) —Romans 1:16–17 (God’s Righteousness) —James 2:14–26 (Faith and Good Works) SELECTED PRAYERS AND SERMONS Prayers Sermon on the Fourth Commandment (Deuteronomy 5:13–15) Sermon on the Fifth Commandment (Deuteronomy 5:16) The Lord Answers Job (Job 38:1–4) When Curse Becomes Blessing (Galatians 3:13–18) Sermon on the Doctrine of Election (2 Timothy 1:9, 10) THE DEATH OF JOHN CALVIN SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING
John Calvin, born in 1509 and designated for the Catholic priesthood by his father, became the great French Protestant reformer famous for his doctrine of predestination and his theocratic view of the state. When he died in Geneva in 1564, he left both a city and a world transformed by the impact of his ideas and beliefs. Marilynne Robinson is the author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Gilead. Her previous novel, Housekeeping, was nominated for the Pulitzer and has made numerous lists of the best novels of the twentieth century. She is also the author of a collection of essays, The Death of Adam- Essays on Modern Thought, which deals with Calvin's legacy. John F. Thornton is a literary agent, former book editor, and the coeditor of Dumbing Down- The Strip-Mining of American Culture and Tongues of Angels, Tongues of Men- A Book of Sermons. He lives in New York City. Susan B. Varenne is a New York City high school teacher with a strong avocational interest in and wide experience of spiritual literature. She holds an M.A. from the University of Chicago Divinity School and a Ph.D. from Columbia University.
