Synopses & Reviews
Meet the Man Behind the Myths John Calvin's name evokes powerful images, most of them negative. In the minds of many, he is perceived as an ivory-tower theologian who was harsh and unreasonable, the driving force behind a dangerous theological system. In this volume, Burk Parsons and eighteen other leading Reformed pastors and scholars authoritatively reveal the truth about Calvin and his teaching that he was humble, caring, pious, Scripture-saturated, and, above all, passionate about upholding the glory of God. Published in conjunction with the five-hundredth anniversary of Calvin s birth (2009), John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology offers a highly readable portrait of a man whose example and teaching remain vitally relevant even in the twenty-first century.
Review
On the five-hundredth anniversary of John Calvin's birth, it is utterly fitting that a book of essays should appear that is designed for ordinary Christians, not scholars. The scholars will have their conferences, of course, and rightly so, but here is a collection of essays that will inform and move ordinary readers to grasp something of the profound gift God gave to the church in the person and ministry and especially the writings of Calvin. Read this book, then find yourself drawn toward many profitable and stretching hours reading Calvin's Institutes and some of his many commentaries. --D.A. Carson: Researchy professor of New Testament Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Deerfield, IllinoisIf you have neglected Calvin's writings for fear they are too difficult or too dreary, this book will change your mind. It is a compendium of his thought presented, as we might expect from these writers, clearly, engagingly, and with a devotional warmth that encourages us to know the God who we worship. --Alistair Begg: Senior Pastor, Parkside Church Chagrin Falls, OhioTo my knowledge there never has been a collection of authors of any edited volume under whose ministry I would rather sit than these. What stands out is that they are humble, holy men of God. Most of them are too old too seasoned to care about scoring points. Their lives witness to the preciousness of Christ and the importance of purity. Expect no bombast. Expect humble, measured admiration and wise application. This is a good way to meet John Calvin: in the holy hearts of humble servants of Christ. The only better way would be to read the man himself. --Dr. John Piper of Desiring God Ministries
Synopsis
As the five hundredth anniversary of John Calvins birth approaches (2009), Burk Parsons, editor of Tabletalk magazine and minister of congregational life at St. Andrews Chapel in Sanford, Fla., has brought together an impressive group of pastors and scholars to reconsider Calvins life and legacy. Contributors include Jay Adams, Eric Alexander, Thabiti Anyabwile, Joel Beeke, Jerry Bridges, Sinclair Ferguson, Robert Godfrey, D. G. Hart, Michael Horton, Phillip R. Johnson, Steven J. Lawson, John MacArthur, Keith Mathison, Richard Phillips, Harry Reeder, Philip Graham Ryken, Derek Thomas, Thomas Ascol, and others.
About the Author
Author list: Jay E. Adams, Eric J. Alexander, Thabiti Anyabwile, Thomas K Ascol, Joel R. Beeke, Jerry Bridges, Sinclair B. Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, D.G. Hart, Michael Horton, Phillip R. Johnson, Steven J. Lawson, John MacArthur, Keith A. Mathison, Burk Parsons, Richard D. Phillips, Harry L. Reeder, Philip Graham Ryken, Derek W.H. Thomas. Editor bio: Rev. Burk Parsons serves as minister of congregational life at Saint Andrew's Chapel in Sanford, Fla., and is the editor of Tabletalk, the monthly Bible-study magazine of Ligonier Ministries. He holds a degree in biblical studies from Trinity College and the M.Di. from Reformed Theological Seminary. Rev. Parsons is also editor of the book Assured by God: Living in the Fullness of God's Grace.