Calvin from a historical perspective.

[AudioArtist]

Sorry to be such a parasite, but I believe that some of you may be able to help me with this...

For the history course I am studying, I have chosen Calvin and his life and actions during the reformation as the area for which an essay will be written.
However, while I am fine with reading up on his life and theology, the assignment involves writing a question which will be answered, like a problem or issue which is explored.

What would you say are interesting areas regarding Calvin which would allow for lots of discussion and analysis? For example, my history tutor suggested: "How did Calvin's life shape his theological systems?" (A question I am not particularly keen on myself!)

Thanks.

 

[tigersnare]

Google Calvin and Servatus (spelling?), that should provoke quite a bit of conversation.

 

[rmwilliamsll]

i did a class on Calvin.
one big question that i ended up with was if Calvin was being disingenuous with the preface to the Institutes where he said the reformed are loyal citizens.
within 75 years the reformed chopped off the king of englands head, destroyed the doctrine of the divine right of kings and put europe and america on the road to representive government.

did calvin have any idea what the doctrine of the rebellion of the lesser magistrates would do in the long run?
for he was extremely conservative and potentially won't like what his theological heirs did.....

...

 

[AudioArtist]

thanks, I'll look into these two points!

 

[AndOne]

For the history course I am studying, I have chosen Calvin and his life and actions during the reformation as the area for which an essay will be written.

Oh how I envy you!

I think another interesting point to explore would be how much the old Greek Philosophers such as Plato influenced Calvin's thought. He does a lot of quoting of many of the philosophers in "The Institutes...."

 

[Tertiumquid]

What would you say are interesting areas regarding Calvin which would allow for lots of discussion and analysis? For example, my history tutor suggested: "How did Calvin's life shape his theological systems?" (A question I am not particularly keen on myself!)

I would probably steer away from that question unless you've done a lot of biographical reading on Calvin. Calvin wasn't like Luther in the sense that everything he wrote or felt was written down. Even Calvin's conversion has sparse information. Had one more insight into the private thoughts of Calvin, a paper on this topic would be easier. Calvin though was tight-lipped.

My favorite topic of Calvin controversy and discussion is the question, "Was Calvin a Calvinist?" A lot of material from opposing views has been written on this. I began doing an overview of it here:

http://www.ntrmin.org/Was%20Calvin%20a%20Calvinist%206%20Part%20One.htm

http://aomin.org/TertiumQuid.html

I have a lot more written on this subject, but its in dire need of editing. If you have an understanding of the concept of Limited Atonement, a good topic would be, "Does Calvin believe in Limited Atonement?"

Also an interesting subject is a comparrison of Luther and Calvin, or what did these two guys think of each other? How did Calvin differ from Luther? If you want to get a look at this, you could begin by reading: http://www.christianforums.com/t1734699-martin-luther.html -or, just go onto any Lutheran board and ask what they think of Calvin, and be prepared for the worst- then write your paper refuting (or agreeing) with them.

If you choose either of these subjects, I may be able to reccommend some sources.

Regards,
James Swan

 

[Tertiumquid]

i did a class on Calvin.
one big question that i ended up with was if Calvin was being disingenuous with the preface to the Institutes where he said the reformed are loyal citizens.

How did you answer in reagrd to the Preface?

Regards,
James Swan
http://www.ntrmin.org/rccorner-reformation.htm