Calvin Today: Reformed Theology And The Future Of The Church (t & T Clark Theology)

This inspiring collection of essays spells out the relevance of John Calvin’s theology for today in three areas: Faith ? Calvin’s theology asks how God deals with the persistent presence of human sin. For Calvin, the chief end of life is to know God and devote our life to his glory. The still topical point is that we are freed from our fixation with ourselves, thereby recognising and living out our true reality in relation to God. Ecumenism ? The unity of the Church in Christ is of central importance to Calvin. We must do our utmost to make it visible. In Calvin’s view, if there is agreement in the understanding of God and grace, all other differences have no divisive importance. This still characterises Reformed understanding today. Public responsibility ? Calvin posed the question about the church’s public responsibility as no other Reformer did. Part 3 reveals the sources of the worldwide impact of Calvin’s and Reformed theology on politics, the law, scholarship and the organising of life in society, including civil society. Faith : Introduction / Michael Beintker -- 'for The Glory Of God' : Learning The Future Of The Church From Paul / Beverly Roberts Gaventa -- Calvin As A Model For Theological Interpretation Of Scripture / Günther Haas -- Contemplating The Living Image Of God In Creation / Randall C. Zachman -- How Calvinism Travelled To America : The Story Of Susanna Bell / Susan Hardman Moore -- Calvin, Children And The Church / Herman J. Sslederhuis -- Inconvenient, Because Consistent, Theology : John Calvin And Karl Barth / Michael Weinrich -- Ecumenism : Introduction / Michael Weinrich -- Calvin's Concept Of The Church And Present-day Ecumenical Challenges / André Birmelé -- The World Alliance Of Reformed Churches Today And The John Calvin Legacy / Setri Nyomi -- Not Without The World Council Of Churches : A Contribution To The History Of The Catholic-reformed International Bilateral Dialogue / Odair Pedroso Mateus -- Calvin's Theology : An Ecumenical Challenge / Michael Beintker -- Can Scripture Interpret Itself? / Stefan Scheld -- Publica Responsibility : Introduction / Michael Welker -- On Self-love : Impulses From Calvin And Calvinism For Life In Society? / Dirkie Smit -- Meditatio Futurae Vitae : A Spiritual Challenge Forchurch And Society? / Fulvio Ferrario -- Calvin's Interpretation Of The Church As The 'communion Of Saints' : A Challenge And Opportunity For Contemporary Reformed Churches / Peter Opitz -- Calvin's Doctrine Of The 'civil Government' : Its Orienting Power In Pluralism And Globalization / Michael Welker. Edited By Michael Welker, Michael Weinrich, Ulrich Möller. A Continuum Imprint Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Spells out the relevance of John Calvin's theology in three areas: faith - ecumenism - public responsibility. This title reveals the sources of the worldwide impact of Calvin's and Reformed theology on politics, the law, scholarship and the organising of life in society, including civil society.