Uncovering Calvin's God: John Calvin on Predestination and the Love of God

Although "God loves you" is a common summary of Christian teaching, a close reading of the Bible and attention to the Christian tradition reveals passages of Scripture and doctrines that undermine confidence in God's love for all people. John Calvin's doctrine of predestination, in particular, seems to undercut assurance of salvation and ability to trust in and worship God. However, pastor and scholar John Calvin confidently spoke of God as a loving Father throughout his teaching and preaching. In Uncovering Calvins God, Forrest H. Buckner unearths Calvins teaching about the God of love who reigns sovereign over predestination. He provides a critical comparison of Calvins approach with the teaching of Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Arminius, and Barth, helping readers perceive the essentials and trade-offs of any doctrine of predestination that takes seriously both the Bible and the loving God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Although the statement "God loves you" is frequently used to encapsulate the core message of Christian teaching and preaching, a more in-depth examination of the Bible and attention to the Christian tradition reveals passages of Scripture and Christian doctrines, particularly John Calvin's doctrine of predestination, that may undermine one's confidence in God's love for all people. For numerous theologians, including many within the Reformed tradition, the secret decree of Calvin's God to save some and condemn others appears to completely undermine one's assurance of salvation and ability to trust in and worship God. However, pastor and scholar John Calvin consistently spoke of God as a loving Father throughout his teaching and preaching.

In his book "Uncovering Calvins God," Forrest H. Buckner delves into Calvin's teaching about the God of love who reigns sovereign over predestination. Drawing upon sources from across Calvin's corpus, Buckner examines Calvin's teaching on the knowledge of God and the doctrine of predestination to provide a more robust and cohesive understanding of Calvin's theology. Buckner then confirms this understanding through an extensive examination of Calvin's preaching in Geneva. He then offers a critical comparison of Calvin's approach with the teaching of Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Arminius, and Barth. Using Calvin's system as a starting point, this book aims to help readers perceive the essentials and trade-offs of any doctrine of predestination that takes seriously both the Bible and the loving God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Calvin's doctrine of predestination has been a subject of debate and discussion among theologians for centuries. While some argue that it undermines confidence in God's love for all people, others contend that it is a necessary aspect of Calvin's theology to ensure that salvation is ultimately attributed to God's grace alone. Buckner's book seeks to provide a balanced and nuanced understanding of Calvin's teaching on predestination, drawing upon a wide range of sources and examining them in detail.

One of the key themes in Buckner's book is the concept of God's knowledge. Calvin believed that God knows everything, including the future, and that his knowledge is not limited by time or space. This understanding of God's knowledge is central to Calvin's doctrine of predestination, as it allows him to assert that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the creation of the world.

Buckner also examines Calvin's teaching on the doctrine of predestination in light of the Bible. He argues that Calvin's interpretation of the Bible is consistent with the broader Christian tradition and that his doctrine is not in conflict with the teachings of other Christian denominations. Buckner also points out that Calvin's doctrine of predestination is not a matter of fate or destiny but rather a matter of God's sovereign choice.

In addition to examining Calvin's teaching on predestination, Buckner also offers a critical comparison of Calvin's approach with the teaching of other theologians. He highlights the differences and similarities between Calvin's doctrine and the doctrines of Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Arminius, and Barth. Buckner argues that Calvin's doctrine of predestination is unique in its emphasis on God's sovereign choice and its rejection of the idea of human free will.

Overall, "Uncovering Calvins God" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Calvin's theology and the doctrine of predestination. Buckner's book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Calvin's teaching, drawing upon a wide range of sources and examining them in detail. By providing a critical comparison of Calvin's approach with the teaching of other theologians, Buckner helps readers to better understand the essentials and trade-offs of any doctrine of predestination that takes seriously both the Bible and the loving God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 152 x 226 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781978703865