Books

My Top 5 Books on Calvin

Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin

There’s no better entry point into Calvin’s teaching than this richly edifying work by the man himself. It is a summary of the Christian faith written for pastors (many of whom were risking their lives).

* * *

John Calvin: Pilgrim and Pastor by W. Robert Godfrey

Hot off the press, this very readable book serves as an ideal introduction to Calvin’s life and emphases.

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John Calvin: A Biography by T. H. L. Parker

For decades, this volume has been considered the standard introduction to Calvin.

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The Unaccommodated Calvin by Richard A. Muller

Muller’s academic treatment places Calvin in his historical context and challenges various misconceptions and rabbit trails in 20th-century Calvin scholarship.

* * *

Calvin, Participation, and the Gift by J. Todd Billings

Billings’s award-winning exploration of Calvin’s emphasis on union with Christ includes up-to-date engagement with recent criticisms of Calvin’s doctrine of grace.

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Related Elsewhere:

Previous Top 5 lists have featured neglected doctrines, spiritual memoirs, marriage, Lent, fiction books for the soul, managing your money, devotionals, how character shapes belief, food, Atheism, China, Presidents, World Christianity, Ancient-Future Faith, the Civil Rights Era, Social Justice, Church History, Popular Culture, the Civil War, Apologetics, Atheism, and Sex.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

Cover Story

Cuba for Christ—Ahora!

Review

Wings for the Single Person

A More Civilized Christian Right

Books Uncommon and Offbeat

Is The Gay Marriage Debate Over?

Evangelicals on the Newburyport Trail

Hard Times

The Clash of Stereotypes

To Kill or to Love—That Was the Question

News

Where Jerusalem and Mecca Meet

Editorial

Not One Sparrow

Back to Cuba

More Freedom But Not Free

Review

CDs on The List

Review

Blood and Desperation

Does Global Christianity Equal American Christianity?

Renewed Focus and Vision

Review

Divine Devolution

Readers Write

A Whole Good World Outside

When the War Never Ends

Review

Voiceless Women

'Honor Thy Father' for Grownups

What to Do about Unbiblical Unions

News

Go Figure

News

Quotation Marks

News

Passages

News

Less Edgy Conferences

News

News Briefs: July 01, 2009

News

Radicals Rejected

Q & A: Robert A. Schuller

News

Recession Hits Refugees

News

Family Ties

News

After George Tiller's Death

News

Martyrs Killed by Conspiracy

View issue

Our Latest

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Wire Story

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Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship announced that its pastor of 48 years won’t return to leadership. The church expects son Jonathan Evans to succeed him.

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Over a hundred congregations have received up to a half-million dollars to repair deteriorating buildings and restore their place in their communities.

Four Truths About God for Children Who Can’t Sleep

And for the grownups—that’s all of us—who never outgrow their need for his presence around the clock.

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Churches in Israel and Egypt provide food, aid, and a listening ear to those scarred by war.

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