Next year is the cinquo-centennial of our theological parent, John Calvin, the originator of our Reformed identity. To mark the event the Committee on History will publish a popular series of 10 monthly articles from September to June in the Presbyterian Record on the significance of John Calvin in today's world.
Born July 10, 1509, Jean Cauvin (as he was originally known) grew up in the Picardy town of Noyon, 60 miles northeast of Paris. His reputation has been variously celebrated and derided: he is portrayed as a dark and brooding figure whose one contribution to the history of thought was predestination (which was arguably taught by the apostle Paul or, if you prefer, Augustine). A strange legacy for a warm-hearted classmate of Rabelais at the University of Paris whose motto pictured a burning heart: “My heart Lord I give you, promptly and sincerely.”
The 10-part series will bring him into a more favourable light and also make him accessible to those of us without formal theological training. Calvin cast a long shadow over Protestantism, and particularly in Scotland, the Netherlands, Hungary, Ireland, the United States and most recently Korea.
Peter Bush will start the series in September with an introductory article on Calvin's life. Recent moderator Hans Kouwenberg writes on Calvin and preaching. Christine O'Reilly examines Calvin's view of church government and specifically how presbyteries should operate. Barry Mack asks whether Calvin was the father of Canadian capitalism. John Vissers looks at Calvin and theological education. Ken Stewart shares his extensive research into Calvin and missions. Ian Wishart views Calvin's spirituality (The Imitation of Christ in Calvin). I will conclude by bringing together the various strands of Calvin. Articles still to be assigned are Calvin and religious tolerance, and Calvin and national identity: Scots, Irish, Dutch, Hungarian, or Korean.
The 500th anniversary of Calvin's birth will feature many celebrations, academic conferences, public services of thanksgiving, and articles both learned and popular. It's hoped that this series in the Record will bring Calvin alive for readers, particularly for those for whom Calvin has either been maligned or is unknown. Additional study material will be available on the Record's website: www.pccweb.ca/presbyterianrecord.
