John Calvin: Father of Reformed Theology (Heroes of the Faith)

Rating:
Summary: JOHN CALVIN WAS ONE OF THEM
Review: This insight into the life of French reformist, John Calvin, made a fine read. The story of his theological disposition, which brought him woes before yielding triumph, was well-relayed. But, I felt that it was too abridged.
Calvin was courageous. He was very honest about his beliefs. The modern-day Presbyterian Church, which descended from his Sixteenth Century Protestant sect, differs from the Lutherans only on sacraments and church administration.

Rating:
Summary: A Calvin Introduction
Review: This is a short but readable introduction to the life of John Calvin. It provides enough background, both church and secular, of those medieval times (1509-1564)to understand the problems and issues of the day. Calvin has been stigmatised with the execution of Servetus however, as detailed in this book, Servetus had escaped from gaol elsewhere on charges of heresy: his subsequent arrest, trial and execution was standard for charges of heresy both in the Catholic and the Reformed Protestant Church.
Calvin is shown to be a man of intense integrity which is clearly seen in his admission that 'that not all are created in equal condition; rather, eternal life if fore-ordained for some ,eternal damnation for others. (Present day Arminians need to show equal integrity admitting that their 'God of love and free-will' initiated creation knowing full well that many of those he creates where destined to eternal hell - the point being that even in the Arminian system, on the basis of God's foreknowledge some were being created for hell.) Calvin was also a man near genius intellect. It is fitting that his 'Institutes' became the bulwark of Christian (Protestant) theology.
Calvin did not have an easy life as well attested in this book and so what must be said of him is 'he fought the good fight. He finished the race, and he kept the faith.'
He was buried in an unmarked grave according to his wishes.

Rating:
Summary: A Calvin Introduction
Review: This is a short but readable introduction to the life of John Calvin. It provides enough background, both church and secular, of those medieval times (1509-1564)to understand the problems and issues of the day. Calvin has been stigmatised with the execution of Servetus however, as detailed in this book, Servetus had escaped from gaol elsewhere on charges of heresy: his subsequent arrest, trial and execution was standard for charges of heresy both in the Catholic and the Reformed Protestant Church.
Calvin is shown to be a man of intense integrity which is clearly seen in his admission that 'that not all are created in equal condition; rather, eternal life if fore-ordained for some ,eternal damnation for others. (Present day Arminians need to show equal integrity admitting that their 'God of love and free-will' initiated creation knowing full well that many of those he creates where destined to eternal hell - the point being that even in the Arminian system, on the basis of God's foreknowledge some were being created for hell.) Calvin was also a man near genius intellect. It is fitting that his 'Institutes' became the bulwark of Christian (Protestant) theology.
Calvin did not have an easy life as well attested in this book and so what must be said of him is 'he fought the good fight. He finished the race, and he kept the faith.'
He was buried in an unmarked grave according to his wishes.