Reviews (29)

A superb and enduring work...
A superb and enduring literary work based upon careful biblical exegesis and ancient church history which calls for reformation, now as then, in the Christian Church. Whether one agrees with all of Calvin's conclusions or not, it is evident that his writings have greatly influenced Western thought and action. These books are required reading for the culturally aware. The modern backlash against Western civil and religious tradition demands the present-day examination of these volumes.

Calvin is Man of Christ
The very first thing that John Calvin did after founding Geneva as a theocracy and Christian state was to kill those who opposed the Word of God.What a man!Calvin was man of Christ.We Christians in America should follow his example.

Calvin Institutes
very good volume of the Institutes with lots of footnotes.a must for any Calvinist or those looking to broaden their knowledge of Calvinism and what it is all about ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Calvinism    2. Christianity - History - General    3. Christianity - History - Protestant    4. Christianity - Theology - History    5. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    6. Religion    7. Theology - Academic    8. Christian theology    9. Continental European Reformed Churches   

Reviews (19)

What are they putting in the water in Colorado?
I would have to say that it is sadly not surprising that Liza and Mr. Oshell respond to Calvin's Institutes in the manner found in each of their reviews.As mentioned by J. Oh, the primary problem is that there are many commonly held misconceptions about Calvin and many different views on what it means to be a Christian.Let me start off by saying that I readily admit that the Institutes are not an easy read.But neither is the Bible, nor most things of substance.The time and style in which the books were written only compound the problem for modern readers (though this translation does much to remedy the situation).I think no doctrine is so commonly misunderstood as predestination.First, it should be noted that predestination is not, despite what Oshell and Liza claim, a creative interpretation out of line with Christian thought.In fact some have argued, and I tend to agree, many aspects of it were held by the early church fathers as may be witnessed in their attacks on Pellagianism.In other words, predestination was considered a central part of Christianity since the time of Christ.Second, the opposite understanding leads to the conclusion that salvation is based upon our own acts, which is perhaps the greatest example of the sin of pride--putting one's self above God.Third, no where in the Bible can one find anything against the notion of predestination.Finally, predestination is specifically mentioned several times in the Bible including Ephes. 1:3-5; Romans 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 2:7; Acts 4:27-28.In addition, there are countless other mentions of God's foreknowledge and Christ's choosing us prior to our choosing Him throughout the Bible.Simply because the modern churches are too caught up in the feel good message of "be a good person and be saved" or the more subtle message of "God will reward you for your faith," when improperly understood, does not at all attack the substance of the Biblically sound doctrine of predestination.
Calvin's Institutes / worth reading the actual writings of Calvin
I found this book to be accessible despite the fact it was written and translated so long ago.It was also worthwhile finally reading Calvin's original writing and so many references made to him and his views in other contexts.

This Translation is Often Overlooked
Unfortunately this translation of Calvin's 'Institutes' is often overlooked due to the more popular translation from Battles. However, this is an excellent translation of Calvin's most famous work and given its age (first published in 1845), it is surprisingly modern - due in part to this very edition which has been 'tweaked' into a more modern verbiage.
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Subjects:  1. Calvin, John    2. Christianity - History - Protestant    3. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    4. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    5. Doctrines    6. Reformed Church    7. Theology - Academic    8. Theology, Doctrinal    9. Christian theology    10. Protestantism & Protestant Churches   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - General    2. Religion    3. Religion - Theology    4. Theology    5. Christianity   

Reviews (3)

An historically important and influential treatise
First written in 1543, The Bondage And Liberation Of The Will: A Defence Of The Orthodox Doctrine Of Human Choice Against Pighius is an English translation by G. I. Davies of one of John Calvin's profound theological works concerning the relationship between grace and free will. Astutely edited with meticulous notes by A. N. S. Lane (Director of Research and Senior Lecturer in Christian Doctrine at the London Bible College), The Bondage And Liberation Of The Will is an historically important and influential treatise of religious and historical significance, and one which is very strongly recommended for Christian Studies theological reference and resource shelves.

don't mess with calvin
This is an excellent debate on free will and predestiantion. it is extremely scholaraly and Calvin is more nuanced and complex than Luther. this book centers around Augustinian thought, as both Rome and the Reformers claimed him as their champion on this issue. Calvin showed conclusively, that Augustine sided with the reformers and solidified the reformation as something not novel, but as a spokesman for Augustine on the treatment of the will and the sinful state of man. The Reformation, it has been said, was the victory of Augustine's thoughts on salvation over Augustine's thoughts of the church.

A work much overdue!
This is an excellent review of the response of Calvin to A. Pighius andthe debates of the 1540's concerning the Will of Man, and Predestination. This work covers many areas not covered in other English Translations ofCalvin's works, and is very informative concerning Calvin's treatment ofthe relation between grace and free will. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Calvin, John    2. Christianity - History - Protestant    3. Christianity - Theology - General    4. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    5. Christianity - Theology - Soteriology    6. De libero hominis arbitrio et    7. De libero hominis arbitrio et divina gratia libri decem    8. Free will and determinism    9. General    10. Pighius, Albertus,    11. Religion    12. Religion - Theology    13. ca. 1490-1542    14. ca. 1490-1542.    15. Church History, Historical Theology    16. Pighius, Albertus    17. Religion / Church History   

Subjects:  1. 16th century    2. Calvin, John    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Marriage    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    5. Christianity - History - General    6. Christianity - History - Protestant    7. Christianity - Theology - General    8. Family    9. History of doctrines    10. Marriage    11. Marriage (Christianity)    12. Reformed Church    13. Religion    14. Religion - Church History    15. Religious aspects    16. Sex    17. Sociology - Marriage & Family    18. Calvinist, Reformed & Presbyterian Churches    19. Christian social thought & activity    20. Switzerland   

Reviews (1)

Concise Classic from a Master of Masters
John Calvin is among the clearest, and most systematic of the Reformers. "Instruction in Faith" is an early work, written when Calvin was no more than 29 years of age. In this small volume Calvin has no polemic goals in mind. He is only interested in expounding Biblical Christianity, as he understands it, with as much pith and perspicacity as he is able. It is a superb introduction to Calvin and the Reformers and a nonpareil brief systematic theology. Indeed, it is in that capcity that the volume has the greatest value. I know of no more succinct summation of Christian doctrine (excepting, of course, the Westminster Shorter Catechism and in many ways I prefer this) and certainly know of no other with an author of comparable authority. This is well worth the time of any Christian young or old. Paul Fuhrmann's introduction is quite informative as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catechisms    2. Christianity - Catechisms    3. Christianity - History - Protestant    4. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    5. Doctrinal Theology    6. English    7. Reformed Church    8. Religion    9. Religion - Theology    10. Christian theology   

Features

• Abridged

Reviews (8)

Calvin's Institutes as Hors D'oeuvre
Qick, compact and precise is how I would describe Tony Lane's abridgement of Calvin's Institutes.Lane eliminates much of Calvin's polemic against Catholicism and the Pope, yet keeps his flow of thought and argumentation smoothly rolling along.Lane doesn't eliminate or bypass the doctrines that people have difficulty with.He gives them fair treatment.Reading this book makes one want to go back to Calvin's unabridged version and examine things in more detail and depth.
Calvin Compressed
"The Institutes of the Christian Religion" began as a rather short monograph, but grew to a multivolume treatise as Calvin revised and rewrote it over his career.This abridgement cuts away the excess and brings the reader the essentials of Calvin's theology.
great abridgement of Calvin' s most excellent work...
If you're looking for an easy reading abridgement of the Institutes, this is an excellent choice.I enjoyed getting an overview of Calvin's work during devotions and before bed without having to think too hard about "translating the translation" which is so often the case with older translations.The fact of the matter is that there are other abridgements that may do the trick also, but this one does just fine for me.I'll read it again and again.So, if you want a overview of Calvin's Institutes without having to deal with the "intricate" details, think about this one... if you want an exhaustive history/biography of his life and works, obviously this won't do it for you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - Protestant    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Christianity - Theology - Systematic    4. Doctrines    5. Early works to 1800    6. General    7. Individual Theologians And Their Works (General)    8. Reformed Church    9. Religion    10. Theology - Academic    11. Theology, Doctrinal    12. Church History, Theology: General Studies/Reference, Historical Theology    13. Religion / Theology   

Reviews (1)

Not exhaustive, but useful and well translated
As with all of these Cambridge "Political Writings" series, this book is perhaps better title "Essential Political Writings" or "Basic Political Writings", for it is far far from comprehensive, in fact it contains only a chapter of one of Calvin's "Institutes" and a small piece by Luther. Yet as is also the case with this Cambridge series, it is an excellent translation with a very good introduction. This is a very useful text and is as essential for academics as it is fascinating for the generally curious. Highly recommended, as long as the buyer does not believe it is a one-stop-shop for the "secular" (whatever that word means in then 16th century) thought of these two reformers with regard to government. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - History - General    2. Church and state    3. Doctrines    4. Early works to 1800    5. General    6. Lutheran Church    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Reference    10. Reformed Church    11. Religion - Church History    12. Church and state--Lutheran Church--Early works to 1800    13. History of ideas, intellectual history    14. Political Science / Reference   

Reviews (1)

study abroad
I read the "Treatises on 'The Eternal Predestination of God' and ' The Secret Providence of God' for my study abroad in Oxford this past summer...I think it is an excellent source for those who are really trying to figure out what Calvin believed, as-well as forreading the heart of Calvin poured out over pages in relation to Scripture and the nature of God.He had an amazing heart for the Word of God, accompanied by deep theological convictions.This read will be a useful tool in battling the pelagian/arminian tendencies sweeping through Christendom.However, I was expecting more of an evaluation of these doctrines by Calvin, rather than actual arguments by letter to "certain calumnies" and Pighius, whose arguments do run rampant in the Church today.Overall, it makes a great reference source and a great read.
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Subjects:  1. Religion    2. Bible   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - History    2. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    3. Prayer    4. Reformed Church    5. Religion    6. Religion - Inspirational/Spirituality    7. Christian worship   

Reviews (1)

Excellent Translation of a Primary Work
This work is a translated version of Calvin's response to Albert Pighius regarding the issue of the eternal predestination of God. Calvin deals withthe historical proof (i.e. other theologians/writers prior to Calvin) ofthe doctrine of predestination as well as the biblical proof. The lastsection of the book is simply Calvin responding to the claims/arguments ofPighius regarding the issue at hand. This book is crucial to the overalldebate between the Calvinist and the Arminian. Therefore, if you areresearching the issues and miss this book then you have missed one of thebest primary sources from Calvin himself. Another good reason to purchaseand read this book is to find out what Calvin really espoused. All toooften people assume Calvin espoused certain things which he in fact neverespoused because they read secondary sources written ABOUT Calvin's view.Thus, it is crucial to read the primary sources. Another book that workswell with this text is titled "The Bondage and Liberation of theWill" by John Calvin (ISBN -0-85364-718-6) which is alsoavailable for a good price here at Amazon. However, don't miss this one inyour research! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Theology - Soteriology    2. Theology - Academic    3. Christian theology    4. Nature & existence of God    5. Theology   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Religion    3. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (2)

This book is now reissued in paperback as "Still Sovereign"
Absolutely fantastic book that logically and systematically rips the foundation out from under the Arminianistic position.This is single most important book I have ever read on this topic.It answers most of the objections to Calvinism head on in a scholarly and highly readable fashion (assuming you at least got through a college education).Just check out who these authors are!The finest minds in the reformed field today!Piper and Ware are particularly convincing in their respective chapters.As I noted in the heading, you can still get most of the contents of this book as "Still Sovereign" in paperback -- it was recently reissued under that title.So read it, digest it, then rip apart the Arminianists!!!Have fun...

Thoughtful,challenging articles explaining Reformed theology
To many people today, Calvinism is an anachronism. How can 20th centurypeople take a teaching seriously which proclaims that God is good, and yetcompletely in control of the world? Could a good God really beall-powerful, and yet allow (or even ordain) some of the atrocities thathave been perpetrated in our own century?Read more

Subjects:  1. Arminianism    2. Biblical teaching    3. Calvin, John    4. Calvinism    5. Christianity - Theology - Soteriology    6. Doctrinal Theology    7. Grace (Theology)    8. Predestination    9. Reference    10. Religion    11. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Subjects:  1. Anabaptists    2. Christianity - Calvinism    3. Christianity - History - General    4. Christianity - Protestanism    5. Christianity - Theology - History    6. Controversial literature    7. Doctrines    8. Individual Theologians And Their Works (General)    9. Libertines (Spirituals)    10. Reformed Church    11. Religion    12. Religion - Theology    13. Church History, Historical Theology    14. Religion / Church History   

Reviews (5)

Amazing Read!
This book is written with sincerety and is heavily weighted in Biblical truth. It weaves together solid intellectual thought with a wholehearted drive for practicality.
Place this little booklet next to your Bible....
This section from Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion makes one hungry for more. Modern writers cannot hold a candle to the depth of Christ-knowledge that our older brothers had. Indeed, we are in a time of spiritual declension. But Calvin, Knox, Spurgeon, A.W. Pink, Asahel Nettleton, and others were "meat", whereas almost all of the latest titles available at the local "Christian" bookstore are mere "dessert"- sweet (sounding), but in the end empty, and unable to satisfy. No substance to them. I will say this as politely as possible: Put away your Max Lucado and your "Left Behind" (false eschatology) and get into God's Word, and then go and see how God taught the ancients. These men were not focused on making men "feel" good about themselves. No Arminian lightweights were they. If you read this booklet, and its content does not resonate within your soul, then you will have reason to fear that you have not learned Christ aright. This booklet is required reading for all in my household. Read it and see why. A great tool for spiritual mentoring.
This thin little book is no lightweight.It's a Trojan horse that delivers timeless substance from the Scriptures on how to think about and live the Christian life.It reaches head and heart, and so is extremely practical--without being a simplistic "how-to" book.I have used it in a number of one-on-one discipling relationships; its small size makes it manageable and appealing to busy people, but God uses its substantive and convicting teaching to affect lives.Buy a copy for yourself and another for someone you care about, and get ready for sharpening discussions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Calvinism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Devotional    4. Religion    5. Religion - Classic Works    6. Religion / Christian Life   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Religion    3. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (8)

A Treasury from the Reformation
This is perhaps one of, if not, the greatest commentary written after the Reformation.Calvin offers a wealth of detail on each verse with no explaining away, no spin, and a deep understanding of the many views and controversies in scripture.This level of articulation and deep understanding of scripture has not likely been surpassed since his time.Calvin was a model theologian (post Pentacost) that the Puritans even aspired to duplicate, and such is evident in his rich and godly perspective.
!!!!!!!!NOTHING BETTER!!!!!!!!!
Calvin is very clear in his commentaries plus the depth he provides makes this set of 22 books the best a student or pastor can buy.Not only is the price reasonable but the size of each book in this set is a handy size so to use it next to your bible without taking up to much desk space. Calvin will take you thru the bible verse by verse even put the bible passage in bold print above the commentary note this is what I like most about this particular set of commentaries.I assure you if you like Calvin and the Reformed tradition this item is for you

Know what you're getting...
A great commentary.Calvin does his own exegesis of the original text; allowing him to bring out a unique and delightful interpretation of the scriptures.Each section of scripture begins with his translation of the text, and then is expounded upon, point-by-point.This is a great and enlightening (and cheap may I add) addition to any Christians library.Calvin's efforts to finish a complete commentary of the bible were never achieved (due to his death I believe).So, the following books have no commentaries to them:Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - General    2. General    3. Reference    4. Religion    5. Religion - Commentaries / Reference    6. Christianity    7. Religion / Bible / Commentaries / General   

Subjects:  1. Bible - Commentaries - New Testament    2. Bible - Commentaries - Old Testament    3. Religion    4. Religion - Commentaries / Reference   

Reviews (1)

The Calvinian Legacy of Ford Lewis Battles
This is a splendid collection of pieces by the late Ford Lewis Battles, one of the 20th century's premier Calvin scholars.Battles was the translator of the Library of Christian Classics edition of Calvin's '1559Institutes' as well as translator of his '1536 Institutes.' Read more

Subjects:  1. 1509-1564    2. Calvin, Jean,    3. Calvin, John    4. Christianity - History - Protestant    5. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    6. General    7. Religion    8. Religion - Theology    9. Calvin, Jean   

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Calvinism    2. Christianity - Theology - History    3. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    4. Religion - Theology