JOHN CALVIN: REVOLUTIONARY, THEOLOGIAN, PASTOR
By Williston Walker
Christian Focus. 342 pages. £7.99
ISBN 1 84550 104 7
I’m of the Magnus Magnusson school of book reading: ‘I’ve started ... so I’ll finish’! At first bite, this 100-year-old biography of Calvin by Williston Walker seems a bit formal, but it’s worth persevering.
The general reader will find a fascinating taster of Calvin’s life in France, Strasburg and Geneva, relating controversies and characters involved, and revealing Calvin as revolutionary, theologian, author, pastor and emerging leader. He comes across as a real human being, passionate for God’s honour, wise, clear-sighted, courageous, quick-tempered, but aware of his failings, a shy man called to a public role.
For the specialist, there is enough detail, with references, to follow up interesting avenues, and cautious evaluation of differing views — but proof-reading is very poor, and footnotes refer to page numbers of the original edition. Walker loved Calvin, yet distances himself from certain of his beliefs, which we would hold dear, though usually presenting them fairly.
This book has stimulated me to start reading his precious legacy to us, his Institutes — and I’ve started ... so I’ll finish!
