A Life of John Calvin: A Study in the Shaping of Western Culture

History occasionally produces figures whose influence on their own and successive generations is immense. Marx, Freud and Lenin had such an influence, and so, Alister McGrath argues, does John Calvin. This book provides a fresh and lucid exploration of Calvin′s life and influence, his theology and his political thought, and his determining of the course of European history. It traces Calvin′s remarkable impact on the development of modern Western attitudes to work, wealth, civil rights, capitalism and the natural sciences. Published to wide critical acclaim in hardback and now available in paperback, this ground–breaking study of Calvin will be welcomed by all concerned with an understanding of the shaping of modern western culture.

List of Illustrations. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Paris: The Formation of a Mind. 3. The Years of Wandering: Orleans and the Encounter with Humanism. 4. From Humanist to Reformer: The Conversion. 5. Geneva: The First Period. 6. Geneva: The Consolidation of Power. 7. Christianity according to Calvin: The Medium. 8. Christianity according to Calvin: The Message. 9. The Invasion of Ideas: Calvin and France. 10. The Genesis of a Movement. 11. Commitment to the World: Calvinism, Work and Capitalism. 12. Calvin and the Shaping of Western Culture. Appendix I: A Glossary of Theological and Historical Terms. Appendix II: Referring to Works by Calvin. Abbreviations. Notes. Bibliography. Index.

Alister E. McGrath is Professor of Historical Theology at Oxford University. He is one of the worlds leading Protestant theologians and the author of numerous popular theology textbooks, including Christian Theology (Third Edition, 2001), The Christian Theology Reader , (Second Edition, 2001), Christian Spirituality (1999), Science and Religion (1998), Historical Theology (1998), and An Introduction to Christianity (1997), all available from Blackwell Publishing. He is also editor of The Blackwell Companion to Protestantism (2003).

"A most welcome study filling a real need for a scholarly biography that is historically sensitive and theologically well–informed." Religious Studies Review "Not since Wendel′s Calvin has one volume given as much breadth and depth to the life and thought of Calvin as this one... A splendid resource for both novices and Calvin scholars. McGrath′s work will endure as a balanced, sensitive, historical–theological treatment." Sixteenth Century Journal "A full range of Calvin students and scholars will be grateful for this book. Wide in scope, detailed in coverage, yet clear in focus, McGrath′s work will find a secure niche for many years to come." Christianity Today "A Skillful combination of biography, theology and history. A number of maps, charts and (monochrome) reproductions of paintings and other art works enhance the attractiveness of this handsome volume, which should serve students as a useful and readable introduction to John Calvin′s life and times." Critical Review "An absorbing study. It cannot be stated too strongly that Beyond Borders deserves high praise. Better than any other book known to the author." The Expository Times "The best study of Calvin in English." Teaching History