Description:
In Theology Made Practical , Joel R. Beeke, David W. Hall, and Michael A. G. Haykin declare the significance of John Calvin's life and ideas--particularly his contributions to systematic theology, pastoral theology, and political theology--as well as the influence he had on others through the centuries.
With focused studies related to the Trinity, predestination, the Holy Spirit, justification, preaching, missions, principles of government, welfare, and marriage, this book demonstrates how Calvin's thought has been, and still is, a dynamic wellspring of fruitfulness for numerous areas of the Christian life. More than 450 years since Calvin experienced the beatific vision, his thinking about God and His Word still possesses what our culture passionately longs for--true relevancy.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Calvin's Biography
1. The Young Calvin: Preparation for a Life of Ministry--Michael A. G. Haykin
2. Practical Lessons from the Life of Idelette Calvin--Joel R. Beeke
Part 2: Calvin's Systematic Theology
3. "Uttering the Praises of the Father, of the Son, and of the Spirit" John Calvin on the Divine Triunity --Michael A. G. Haykin
4. Calvin on Similarities and Differences on Election and Reprobation--Joel R. Beeke
5. Calvin on the Holy Spirit--Joel R. Beeke
6. Explicit and Implicit Appendixes to Calvin's View of Justification by Faith --David W. Hall
Part 3: Calvin's Pastoral and Political Theology
7. Calvin's Experiential Preaching--Joel R. Beeke
8. John Calvin and the Missionary Endeavor of the Church--Michael A. G. Haykin
9. Calvin on Principles of Government--David W. Hall
10. Calvin on Welfare: Diaconal Ministry in Geneva--David W. Hall
11. Christian Marriage in the Twenty-First Century: Calvin on the Purpose of Marriage--Michael A. G. Haykin
Part 4: Calvin's Legacy
12. Calvin's Circle of Friends: Propelling an Enduring Movement--David W. Hall
13. Calvin as a Calvinist--Joel R. Beeke
14. Calvinism and Revival--Michael A. G. Haykin
Brief description:
Joel R. Beeke (PhD, Westminster Seminary) is chancellor and professor of homiletics and systematic and practical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, a pastor of the Heritage Reformed Congregation in Grand Rapids, Michigan, board chairman of Reformation Heritage Books, editor of Puritan Reformed Journal and Banner of Sovereign Grace Truth, a frequent speaker at Reformed conferences around the world, and a prolific author.
Review Quotes:
"In every generation, including his own, John Calvin had agitatedly committed detractors. They desired to render his influence of no effect and his person deeply suspect. Those persons now are largely footnotes in books about Calvin. Why? This book demonstrates that answer clearly. The authors' diversity of chapters illustrates that Calvin remains irreducibly seminal for the development of Western culture from the time of the Reformation and beyond. His experience of God and His grace, his mind and heart captive to divine revelation in Scripture, his commitment to apply clearly and succinctly the sovereignty of God and truth over all patterns of thought--these mark him out as a Christian thinker whose influence endures in every generation and who always has much to say about most things important for Christian living. You will see that conviction profoundly and sweetly foundational to the variety of Calviniana in this book." -- Tom J. Nettles, senior professor of historical theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary