The Soul of Life: The Piety of John Calvin (Profiles in Reformed Spirituality)

By John Calvin

John Calvin is the most notable figure from the Reformed tradition. Unfortunately, he is often characterized as a stern and cerebral individual who had little concern for practical matters. However, Calvin was actually influential in promoting a profound sense of piety among early Protestantism. In The Soul of Life , Joel R. Beeke presents the life and ministry of Calvin with a special emphasis on Calvin's efforts for cultivating healthy spirituality among the churches. The selections from Calvin's own work will give readers a firsthand look at Calvin's emphasis on godliness, and by God's grace, will be a means for spurring on greater godliness in our day.

Table of Contents:
The Life of John Calvin
The Piety of John Calvin
Section One: The Definition and Importance of Piety
Section Two: Piety's Supreme Goal, Soli Deo Gloria
Section Three: Theological Dimensions
Piety's Profound Root: Mystical Union
Piety's Double Bond: The Spirit and Faith
Piety's Double Cleansing: Justification and Sanctification
Section Four: Ecclesiological Dimensions
Piety Through the Church
Piety of the Word
Piety in the Sacraments
Piety in the Psalter
Section Five: Practical Dimensions
Prayer
Repentance
Self-Denial
Cross-Bearing
The Present and Future Life
Obedience
Recommended Books by or about Calvin Series Description

Seeking, then, both to honor the past and yet not idolize it, we are issuing these books in the series Profiles in Reformed Spirituality . The design is to introduce the spirituality and piety of the Reformed Profiles in Reformed Spirituality tradition by presenting descriptions of the lives of notable Christians with select passages from their works. This combination of biographical sketches and collected portions from primary sources gives a taste of the subjects' contributions to our spiritual heritage and some direction as to how the reader can find further edification through their works. It is the hope of the publishers that this series will provide riches for those areas where we are poor and light of day where we are stumbling in the deepening twilight.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1601780575
• ISBN13: 9781601780577
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
• Length: 220 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.0" x 0.8" x 4.5"

Customer Reviews

Great Intro To Calvin's Piety

This book is a great way to step into the piety of one of the leading figures of the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Many people have heard and spread the idea that Calvin was a cold, dry, dogmatic, and stern figure, a sort of doctrinal tyrant. This book shows Calvin's "true colors." Joel Beeke wrote the great historical introduction, which serves as a concise and clear summary of some of the main points and teachings of Calvin. The intro is perfect for people who have never read about Calvin, but want an easy to read yet scholarly display of the genius and piety of Calvin. In the intro, Beeke also notes the order of the book - the defintion and goal of piety, including the parts of piety: 1) the root of piety - mystical union, 2) its double bond - the Spirit and faith, and 3) its double cleansing - justification and sanctification. There is also a discussion of prayer, repentance, cross bearing, obedience, and heavenly mindedness. Beeke notes those things in the intro because that is how he structured the book. Basically, the book is a topically arranged selection of very brief snippets of Calvin on the above themes. It is perfect for a short daily devotional - each selection is less than two pages. Reading Calvin is not always easy, but in these smaller portions it is not quite as daunting for the beginner. In summary, this book is a great intro to who Calvin was and his emphasis on godly living - in his own words. I recommend it for personal and church libraries. It is a smaller book perfect to read once then pass around to friends.