John Calvin CondensedApril 15, 2008 Highlights the main doctrines and key Biblical concepts that encompass the principles necessary for Christian vitality. In this condensed version of his Institues, John Calvin, the brilliant reformer, effectively expounds on all the important aspects of Bible doctrine. Calvin was not one to shy away from the controversial elements of Biblical Christianity. Throughout the Institues, God's sovereignty is a focal point of Calvin's commentaries. The glory of God, His mercy and grace towards helpless sinners and the substitutionary work of Christ the Savior are some of the important truths documented by this immensely gifted theologian!
A Good First Hand Introduction to Calvin's TheologyFebruary 12, 2008 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
When John Calvin wrote the first edition of his 'Institutes of the Christian Religion,' it was intended to be a "simple handbook of Christian doctrine" (14). Just prior the time it was to be published, however, Francis I, the king of France, unleashed a "fierce campaign of repression" (14) against French Protestantism. In light of this, Calvin wrote an introductory letter dedicating his work to the king of France as a confession of the Christian faith and a defense of its truth.
Later editions revised and expanded the 'Institutes' and brought a new objective: Calvin intended that his 'Institutes' to be used alongside of his commentaries as an "introduction and guide to the study of the Bible" (14). Far from being an abstract and impractical tome to be perused and pondered by a few stuffy academicians, Calvin's 'Institutes' were written to nurture, instruct, and serve the Church. Calvin himself writes later in the Institutes, "Doctrine is not a matter of talk but of life. It is not grasped by the intellect alone, like other branches of learning. It is received only when it fills the soul and finds a home in the inmost recesses of the heart" (161). Above all, the Institutes is a book about the Christian life.
Nevertheless, the final version of Calvin's 'Institutes' is rather large. F.L. Battles translation is found in two volumes with a total of 1,500 pages. Though much of this material is spiritually rich and valuable for all Christians, there are portions that are now of little interest to the common reader since they deal with historically specific issues. Tony Lane's burden in the present volume is to bring Calvin's Institutes to the "non-specialist" reader by selecting the most important 15 percent of the original text and rewriting it into simpler and more modern English. Lane explains his ultimate intention in choosing the texts: "My aim has been simply to select the heart of Calvin's positive teaching--even on those points where I might not happen to agree with him" (16).
The final product is an edifying and Scripture-saturated presentation of the Christian faith. Even if you would not consider yourself a "Calvinist," I would encourage you to pick up this volume and give it a fair reading. Not only will provide you with an accessible first hand acquaintance with Calvin's theology, there are many portions that will, I trust, benefit you regardless of your theological commitments.
On the other hand, if you would not consider yourself a Christian, I would still encourage you to purchase and read this book. Calvin's 'Institutes of the Christian Religion' is considered, by both Christian and secular scholars, to be one of most important theological works ever written, if, for no other reason, the massive influence it has had on Western thought, history, religion, and culture. But even more than that, you will find in this book a vision of God that is not only glorious and holy, but beautiful, gracious and full of love for those who fear Him; and who beckons you to turn from the lesser pleasures of sin and turn to faith in His Son so that you can receive the forgiveness of sin and the gift of God Himself.
Calvin condensedJuly 18, 2007 2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The sheer mention of Calvin's name can wrinkle the face of many Christians. Is there any notion for such harsh treatment? This condensed version will help the reader arrive at a rock solid conclusion to the question and is a lot thinner then the original!
The book is compiled of four books, and is as follows, the first book is, "The Knowledge of God the Creator." In the first five chapters he launches directly into the fact that God has made Himself known to all men. Calvin's analysis follows closely to the beginning pages of Romans. He points out that all have been given the light of consciences and the light of creation. He couples this together with the fact that men suppress the knowledge that has been given to them, but are rightfully condemned under this knowledge.
Chapters six through nine speak about God's word and God's spirit. Calvin points out that man needs more than just general revelation, but also needs the bible (specific revelation). On page 45 Calvin shows the need to pay careful attention to scripture if one wants to benefit from the spirit of God. He clearly shows that any doctrine that surpasses the scripture is undoubtedly a teaching from Satan himself. Building upon this thought, chapters thirteen through fifteen present a defense for the deity of Jesus and the tri-unity of God. The beginning of Calvin's discussion of the nature of man was opened in the fifteenth chapter. Calvin speaks on how man is constructed of body and soul, and the soul consists of the intellect and the will.
Part four goes over God's providence and shows God is always active and in control of His creation. Calvin touched on the balance of free will and God's providence by explaining that man is bound to his sin nature and in his sin nature, man will never choose God.
Book two goes over "The Knowledge of God the Redeemer, in Christ." In the first three chapters Calvin shows the teaching that is referred to as total depravity. He illustrates how all mankind has been affected by the fall and is enslaved in sin. Here Calvin expounds on this by showing that this does not mean that men are as evil as they can be. God's common grace still refrains man's nature, but the unregenerate man is dead in sin and their heart intent behind all action is always sinful.
Continuing through the book, we come upon the discussion of God's law. Calvin explains the law is like a mirror showing people their sinful condition before God. The law also acts as a refrain as well as governs men. The next section Calvin shows how Jesus "became a man to perform the office of mediator." Here he illustrates how Christ has two natures and He has "performed the office of redeemer in procuring our salvation."
The third book is entitled "The Way of Obtaining the Grace of God." It begins by discussing the work of the spirit and then quickly moves into faith and repentance. Calvin comes out swinging in the proceeding book by dismantling the false allegations of someone who only confesses Christ. He lays out that living the Christian life is a life of self denial.
The fourth book that Calvin wrote was on the "Outward Means by Which God Helps Us." This section begins by looking at the church and makes the distinguishing factor between the true and false church. The election of church teachings was lightly covered and also church discipline. The remaining section covered Calvin's views on the sacraments. Many whom have not studied Calvin or reformed theology may find the section on sacraments a little difficult to swallow. Many may be alarmed at his view of adult and infant baptism and charge him with baptismal regeneration. Also his view of Jesus presented in the Lord's Supper may rattle some.
John Calvin was a significant theologian and scholar. I recommend his work for anyone who is looking for a deep study of reformed theology. Anyone who cast Calvin off for his work is missing out on the writings of an astute theologian that they could greatly benefit from.
Calvin's Institutes as Hors D'oeuvreSeptember 9, 2006 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
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.
This is an extremely easy read. Tony Lane does a great job in bringing John Calvin's pastoral heart out in his writings. As soon as you start reading this book you can notice that Calvin was not some far-off removed theological iceberg, but was a pastor first and foremost.
Excellent work. Excellent read. You can't pass it up for the price!
Only because of grace, --Jeffrey
Calvin CompressedApril 2, 2006 7 out of 8 found this review helpful
"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.
Surprisingly, that theology, although not jovial, is not as somber as the popular portrayal. Calvin states his ideas and backs them up with scriptural citations, well constructed argument, and references to earlier Christian writers, most notably St. Augustine. He gives a defense of predestination which almost, but not quite, convinces.
In the chapter on the Church, Calvin writes of differences in doctrine and makes a call for tolerance of differing views--so long as they are not TOO different. It would be interesting to know if those words were written before or after the Servetus incident.
Another issue Calvin addresses in the chapter on the Church is church discipline. He outlines his theories on Bible-based discipline, and they are almost identical to modern-day church discipline in many Bible Belt churches.
Those with little experience of Calvinism can find it an off-putting theology. Read this book and "Calvin for the Armchair Theologian," and you might not convert, but you'll have a much more sympathetic view of Calvinism.
