This past Thanksgiving marked the first time in about five years that we didn't visit family in Connecticut. I spent the three days of Thanksgiving break catching up on reading for all of my classes. In particular, I spent a good deal of time reading Calvin's Institutes of the Christian Religion--a real page turner.
Actually, as far as theological treatises are concerned, Institutes is quite an interesting read. First of all, the scope of the work is expansive and truly systematic in nature. Second, Calvin also manages to go into great depth. Third, while Calvin owes much to Augustine, he also is unafraid to point out perceived flaws in Augustine's theology and carve his own unique path.
What I find most impressive, however, is how contemporary he sounds. Maybe I have an excellent translation (McNeil), but Calvin's theology strikes me as being very easy to grasp. He doesn't create his own vocabulary as so many philosophers do. He deals in flesh and blood, nuts and bolts. Another facet of his writing that makes him a fairly easy read is that he is strongly polemical. In fact, he is quite the jerk, as he can't put forth his own argument without both disparaging the opposing viewpoint and questioning the motivations of its proponent. He would fit right in on any political talking head show where the two sides lob verbal artillery rounds at each other.
Actually, as far as theological treatises are concerned, Institutes is quite an interesting read. First of all, the scope of the work is expansive and truly systematic in nature. Second, Calvin also manages to go into great depth. Third, while Calvin owes much to Augustine, he also is unafraid to point out perceived flaws in Augustine's theology and carve his own unique path.
What I find most impressive, however, is how contemporary he sounds. Maybe I have an excellent translation (McNeil), but Calvin's theology strikes me as being very easy to grasp. He doesn't create his own vocabulary as so many philosophers do. He deals in flesh and blood, nuts and bolts. Another facet of his writing that makes him a fairly easy read is that he is strongly polemical. In fact, he is quite the jerk, as he can't put forth his own argument without both disparaging the opposing viewpoint and questioning the motivations of its proponent. He would fit right in on any political talking head show where the two sides lob verbal artillery rounds at each other.
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