Calvin for Armchair Theologians by Christopher Elwood

Calvin for Armchair Theologians is a treatise on the life, spiritual formation, and theology of 16th century French reformer, Jean (John) Calvin. As the title implies, Elwood takes one of the giants of the Protestant faith and makes him accessible to the non-seminarian reader.

The book begins by giving a concise, insightful description of Calvin, his childhood, and his entry into first scholastic and then public life. Elwood takes the words and works of Calvin as recorded in The Institutes and summarizes them in a way that is both understandable and enlightening. He wraps up the book with sections on the struggles Calvin faced in his day, as well as the widespread reach his theology has influenced through the following centuries. The book includes graphic illustrations by Ron Hill, which contribute to the lightness of the biography, as well as serve to further the points made.

Many theological themes are presented, among these are the concepts of predestination, the outward means of care, infant baptism, and the relationship of the church to the state. Personally, it is hard to disagree with Calvin on most of his views. Though he was human and a sinner just as I am, he was much more studied on all things theological and spent a great deal more time carefully evaluating everything he taught, whereas I have not.

As I was reading the book, I thought it could have just as easily been titled, Calvin for Dummies but quickly realized the connotation that would give and just as quickly came to appreciate the actual title it had been given. Calvin for Armchair Theologians affirms the person who wishes to make a first attempt at understanding Calvin, and does it in a way that gives the reader confidence in what they know while at the same time curious to know more.

Thus, I would highly recommend this book, particularly to folks who, like me, have a desire to better grasp theology, but are not in the stage or station of life to study it at the level of a serious theologian. The Institutes seem ominous on the shelf and thus unlikely to be read by the average non-seminarian homemaker; however, after reading Christopher Elwood's treatment of Calvin and his theological positions, I began to think that perhaps I could tackle Calvin's Institutes. In all my free time, of course...