The Mind of Brian

John Calvin was born 500 years ago today. While Mr. Calvin is abhorred by some, he is adored by others. I would put myself in the last camp. I remember learning in AP Euro that John Calvin taught the doctrine of predestination and that he condemned a heretic at the stake. What they didn’t teach us was that the heretic condemned would have been condemned by any church at that time. And they did not teach about his focus on the Holy Spirit uniting us with Christ (he has been called the theologian of the Holy Spirit), his interest pastoral effects to not jsut tell peopel what to do but help them follow the Word of God, and his building of a ministry not just upon his name. It is a shame that we often associate doctrine with “Calvinism”–I doubt John Calvin would have ever wanted us to do that. He was Reformed according to Scriptures, not trying to build his own system. He was a team player, rotating preachers in the pulpit and training others. And he had a heart. Having studied him more recently, I see these things to be immensely true.

Thank you, Mr. Calvin for helping me to see the grace of Christ, the sovereignty of God, and fellowship through the Holy Spirit.