Synopses & Reviews
How does John Calvin understand and depict the relationship of God with humanity? Until this study, the most influential readings of Calvin have tended to assume a dialectical divine-human opposition as fundamental to his thought. In this fresh consideration of Calvin's Christian vision his consistent and pervasive appeal to the Trinity in understanding the divine-human relationship is delineated and imaginatively rendered. Tracing the trinitarian theme in its many dimensions throughout the reformer's work, Philip Butin offers a revised look at the vital role of the Trinity in Calvin's thought, in the process recovering Calvin as a significant historical source for contemporary trinitarian theological reflection.
Review
"Butin has served Calvin scholarship and the whole discipline of historical theology well in this fine study."--Dialog
"Butin's scholarly study is a valuable addition to Calvin studies....Calvin scholars will appreciate the clarity and depth of the author's analyses."--Religious Studies Review
"Ministers will read this study with intellectual joy and spiritual profit."--The Princeton Seminary Bulletin
"Butin's perspective sheds valuable light on subjects which have often vexed scholars....his book offers often dense yet generally rewarding reading....a significant contribution to our understanding of Calvin's teaching..."--Pro Ecclesia
"It is a valuable resource for a wide range of scholars and readers. No doubt, the growing body of literature in Calvin studies will reference and engage this important book by Phillip Butin."--The Cresset
Synopsis
How did John Calvin understand and depict God's relationship with humanity? Influential readings of Calvin have seen a dialectical divine-human opposition as fundamental to his thought. As a result, the importance of the doctrine of the Trinity in his understanding of the divine-human relationship has been largely overlooked. In this fresh consideration of Calvin's Christian vision, however, Philip Butin demonstrates Calvin's consistent and pervasive appeal to the Trinity as the basis, pattern, and dynamic of God's relationship with humanity. Butin examines the historical background, controversial context, and distinctive features of Calvin's Trinity doctrine. He then explores the trinitarian character of Calvin's doctrines concerning revelation, redemption, and human response to God. Finally, his consideration of Calvin's doctrines of the church, baptism, and the eucharist suggests the contextuality, comprehensiveness, and coherence of Calvin's trinitarian vision.