Today marks the 500th birthday of John Calvin, one of the most hotly debated of all Christian theologians. I happen to agree with much of Calvin’s theology, but I believe that even a non-Calvinist should express some apprecaition for John. Here’s why:
While the Protestant Reformation is often credited as coming most directly from the work of Martin Luther (and understandbly so) it was Calvin who most thoroughly and concisely systematized the theology of the Reformers and of a vast majority of initial Protestants. It is to Calvin that we owe some of the most commonly used phraseology of Christian doctrine, and some of the most common arguments for the faith. Furthermore Calvin’s expositions of Scripture, contained now in his commentaries, is among some of the most fine scholarship of the modern era on Scripture. Even Arminians have coneded his skill in translation and exegesis. But above all else we owe Calvin a thanks for his devotional heart and pastoral oversight in Geneva. Did he make mistakes? Yes, absolutely and to white wash them is silly and ungodly. But it was a violent and confusing age and men were still sinful then too. Calvin’s work in Geneva, however, gave the church a legacy of great pastors and launched a missionary movement that many nations reap the fruit from today.
So I hope you will join me in wishing John Calvin a Happy 500th Birthday…I am sure, however, that he is glad to be at Jesus side and not living in a 500 year old body.
Sparrow & Heart Soul Care 