Calvin: Origins and Development of His Religious Thought [John]

383 pp. Translated by Philip Mairet. Francois Wendel's monumental work on the life and thought of John Calvin presents a thorough overview of the theological views of John Calvin while avoiding the pitfalls of excessive detail. Wendel's motive for presenting such a comprehensive overview stemmed from the fact that aside “from the volume of Doumergue…there is no exposition of the Calvinist doctrine as a whole in existence.”1 Needless to say, this statement does not stand true today, over forty years after the writing of this book. However, the sound scholarship and striving objectivity of the author mark this book as a classic study in the thought of Calvin. The book is divided into a biographical section and a section on Calvin's theological doctrine. This review will focus on the latter. Specifically, Wendel discussed the Institutes, Calvin's idea of God as the creator and sovereign ruler of the world, God as the Redeemer in Jesus Christ, the hidden work of the Holy Spirit, and the church, sacraments, baptism, and Lord's supper.--Walking Together Ministries