by H. J. Selderhuis. The year 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. Fittingly, a number of new biographies of Calvin are now appearing. Selderhuis (Theological University of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands) has written a beautiful biography. One of the major contemporary interpreters of Calvin's life and thought, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this refreshingly readable, entertaining, informative biography. The author has chosen Calvin's own letters and papers as the sources for his view of Calvin. What this gives the reader is a view of Calvin as a fallible but earnest man attempting to be faithful to his calling as a pastor, teacher, friend, husband, stepfather, and leader. Selderhuis has arranged the book chronologically but has chosen to mark each era with a theme. Although this reviewer would have made some different choices for these time frames, this approach gives coherence to the chapters and the book, and it inspired this reviewer to think about his reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with a particular choice. Too often, portraits of Calvin are painted in colors without hue or shade. Selderhuis is quick to admit Calvin's faults but also to recognize the greater aspects of his nature as well. --Choice (Check catalog)
Monday, September 21, 2009
John Calvin : a pilgrim's life
by H. J. Selderhuis. The year 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of the birth of John Calvin. Fittingly, a number of new biographies of Calvin are now appearing. Selderhuis (Theological University of Apeldoorn, the Netherlands) has written a beautiful biography. One of the major contemporary interpreters of Calvin's life and thought, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this refreshingly readable, entertaining, informative biography. The author has chosen Calvin's own letters and papers as the sources for his view of Calvin. What this gives the reader is a view of Calvin as a fallible but earnest man attempting to be faithful to his calling as a pastor, teacher, friend, husband, stepfather, and leader. Selderhuis has arranged the book chronologically but has chosen to mark each era with a theme. Although this reviewer would have made some different choices for these time frames, this approach gives coherence to the chapters and the book, and it inspired this reviewer to think about his reasons for agreeing or disagreeing with a particular choice. Too often, portraits of Calvin are painted in colors without hue or shade. Selderhuis is quick to admit Calvin's faults but also to recognize the greater aspects of his nature as well. --Choice (Check catalog)
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