John Calvin (1509-1564) is one of the most important figures in religious history. Sitting on the cusp of the medieval and early modern world, he was centre stage during the Reformation. In this new biography, Michael Mullett introduces us to this most important figure, tying his life together with that of Martin Luther, but also valuing his individual contribution and influence.
From what Calvin himself described as ‘humble beginnings’, he became one of the most influential theologians of the Protestant Reformation. The influence of his teachings and the development of Christian theology into what was to become known as Calvinism, swept across Europe, reinforcing the Reformation’s radical break from the Catholic Church. John Calvin was ‘a mighty and formidable man, able to achieve the vast amount he did because of his unbending conviction of his rightness’.
Michael Mullett explores the significant influences on Calvin and his work, and the relationships that he formed along his reforming path. Looking not only at the impact of Calvin throughout the early modern period and the importance of his work to contemporaries, Michael Mullett also assesses the impact that Calvin’s works have had in shaping the modern world, and the relevance that they still have today.
1. Introduction 2. John Calvin of Noyen 3. ‘A Sudden Conversion’ 4. Interlude: the Institutes of the Christian Religion 5. Genevan Interlude and Strassburg Ministry 6. The City on the Hill? 7. Calvin Victorious 8. The Perfect School of Christ 9. John Calvin: the Assessment
Biography
Michael A. Mullett is Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Lancaster, UK, where he taught history for 40 years, prior to official retirement in 2008. His books include The Catholic Reformation (1999) and Martin Luther (2004).
'...this volume is the best in a long line of recent English works on John Calvin.'
'Written from an explicitly historical perspective, the book treats the subjet in a meticulously thorough manner, no area of Calvin's life and work is left unexamined.'
'...Mullett's John Calvin is a lesson in historical biography which will remain seminal for many years. All serious students of this intriguing reformer should read this secondary work.' - Mike Parsons, Associate Research Fellow, Spurgeon's College
