Customer Reviews

John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

-Introduction-

John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God is the latest book written by John Piper in his line of more biographical works. Piper is best known for being the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, the head of Desiring God, and books such as Don't Waste Your Life. The Forward to John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God has been written by Gerald L. Bray. Furthermore, it is fitting that this book has been released in 2009; the year marking 500 years since John Calvin's birth.

-Summary-

In a book of only sixty-four pages, Chapter One does not begin with John Calvin; instead it begins with God. Piper writes:

"John Calvin would approve that we begin with God rather than him. Nothing mattered more to Calvin than the supremacy of God over all things." (p. 11)

Despite its brevity, the reader is left with an edifying insight into a man the Lord used mightily during the Reformation, and is stirred reading accounts ranging from his conversion (p.20), the reason he wrote The Institutes (p. 30), his physical guarding of the Lord's Table from the libertines (p. 43), to a portion of a letter he penned after the death of his first born son (p. 36). Flowing from Piper's easy to read style, the reader is left confident of his contention; John Calvin was a man with a passion for the majesty of God.

-Critique-

The brevity of this book is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing in that it quickly gives you an overview of the man John Calvin, giving most of the attention to his passion for the majesty of God, and his faithful exposition of the Scriptures, for it is within them God has revealed the truth of His majesty. This may serve then as an excellent introduction to reading biographies, studying church history, or as a quick encouragement to the Pastor and layman alike. However, it may serve as a curse, leaving the reader wanting more, or even disappointed simply due to its brevity. Personally, appreciating that this book was originally written as a chapter in The Legacy of Sovereign Joy and therefore by nature brief, I was able to receive this book as a blessing.

It is no secret that outside of the Reformed tradition, there are many who do not look highly upon John Calvin. Much of this can be put down to ignorance of the man (which this books suitable helps correct), although notably John Calvin's involvement with Michael Servetus has tarnished his name. Providing a brief appendix, John Piper examines the case of Servetus in light of the barbaric world in which Calvin lived. The treatment is fair, and to Piper's credit aids to the honesty and appeal of the book.

-Conclusion-

John Piper's biographical book, John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God is a book I highly recommend to all Christians. It provides an overview of a man used mightily by the Lord during the Reformation, and whose literature is still so influencial today. The heart of John Calvin is presented as a man with a passion for the majesty of God, and a dedication to expositing God's Word faithfully and consistently. This alone is an ever present need of encouragement to the sacrificing Pastor, and an example which should stir the layman with a new found appreaciation for the work of Calvin and preachers who follow in his footsteps.

As one who reads virtually everything Piper writes I was eager to read a new work on Calvin. After reading a few pages I thought, "Hmmm, this seems familiar..." and sure enough, it is simply the Calvin chapter from Piper's book "The Legacy of Sovereign Joy." It is acknowledged as such in this little booklet, but I didn't know that before I bought it.

Its good stuff and worth a read, but if you own "Legacy of Sovereign Joy" I would just read the Calvin chapter again.

First of all it should be said that, at sixty-four pages in length, this book is not an exhaustive biography of John Calvin. It was not intended to be such.

Piper is a man with one passion: the glory of God. Such should be the case with each of us. Piper's goal in this book is to demonstrate from Calvin's biographies, commentaries, sermons, etc. that the thing that made Calvin "tick" was a passion for the exaltation of God.

Piper starts by reminding us that God is glorious and majestic. From there he moves to showing us how this truth sheped Calvin's life and ministry. Whether it was Calvin's defense of justification by faith, or his facing danger for the sake of the gospel, bringing glory to God was his motivation.

One may wonder about the value of a book this small. It seems somewhat myopic to write a booklet about the single passion of one man's life. The fact is that this one man presented to us a philosophy of ministry, and a body of doctrinal and practical divinity that shape ministries, churches, and lives today. These things are the product of this man's passion for the glory of God. With this in mind, Piper presents Calvin's passion to us that we might be motivated to seek God's glory in our own lives.

I give this book 4 ½ stars. It serves its purpose well. I only give it 4 ½ stars because it could have been a little longer.

This is more of a pamphlet on the highlights of Calvin's teachings. I was hoping for a little more of his life information. Other than that, a good quick read.

I found this mini book a pleasure to read. In this brief book, John Piper introduces his readers to John Calvin and his deep passion to show case the glory of God. You will learn about Calvin's deep conviction for biblical exposition even in the height of physical pain.

The greatest sticking point was Calvin's reason for writing the Institutes of the Christian Religion. As Calvin noticed the believers being burned alive in France, he wanted to vindicate them by writing what these believers embraced. Calvin said. "that men might know what was the faith held by those whom I saw basely and wickedly defamed." This kind of info helps a reader get into the mind of a theologian to better understand his passion. I will never again be able to read the Institute, without thinking about the martyred saints that inspired these writings.

I would recommend this mini book for anyone wanting to quickly grasp the life and passion of John Calvin. This book can be read in an hour and the PDF is free on John Pipers web page.

This is a good book for under ten dollars. Still, it is a bit too brief for my needs. I should have spend a little more for a book that cover the subject in more depth.

Piper's little tome, "John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God," is a superb piece that reviews the high points of the Reformer's life and clearly demonstrates in his thoughts and deeds his desire to display the Majesty of God. Indeed, it is a short work, only 59 pages including the appendix, but it's a must read for anyone wanting an introductory lesson on Calvin. Moreover, it presents his life long passion for sharing God's majesty, primarily through the preaching of Scripture. If the reader is looking for more depth and information he must turn elsewhere.

If there is a down side to this little work it is found in the unnecessary appendix in which we find a defense of Calvin's involvement in the trial of Servetus. Piper deserves credit for defending him but it is yet another wearisome defense of the Genevan Reformer against those who cannot properly interpret history. This appendix would have been better left out as it distracts from the main thrust of the work.

Book Review
By
Jason Scott


John Calvin and His Passion for the Majesty of God
By
John Piper


John Piper, in this short biography, sheds some light on one of the most controversial figures in the history of the church. Piper points out that John Calvin was very passionate for his God and for the His Word.

"he(Calvin) believed with all
his heart that the Word of God
was indeed the Word of God, and that all
of it was inspired and profitable and
radiant with the light of the glory of
God." Pg 49

Piper highlights the many accomplishments of Calvin. His vast amount of writings, many that are still available to us nearly five hundred years later; his mastery of languages, and his ability to stay focused despite poor health and opposition. But most important Piper shows that to Calvin "nothing mattered more than the supremacy of God over all things." Pg 11

In a very helpful appendix, Piper does not shy away from the event that has tarnished Calvin the most. That of course is the Michael Servetus trial and execution. Piper outlines the barbaric times in which Calvin lived, not to excuse Calvin, but to help the reader have a better understanding of the times. What is often missed when looking at this case, is that Servetus held a heretical view on the Trinity-"so much so as to shock both Catholic and Protestant in his day." Pg 56 Calvin did argue against Servetus, but it was not his decision to burn Servetus.

"Calvin never held civil office in
Geneva, but exerted all his
Influence as pastor." Pg 57
Calvin probably should have stayed out of the affair altogether, but given the circumstances and the barbaric times of the 1500's, how can we say confidently any of us would have acted better?


This is a good introduction to the life of Calvin. There are definitely more detailed biographies on Calvin, as well as his own writings that have greatly benefited the church through the centuries.

Piper succinctly chronicles the life of John Calvin in a way that makes him accessible to the lay Christian. This is a great, brief introduction to Calvin the man, his theology and his legacy. A great starting point for anyone looking for a taste of Calvin, his life and work.

On the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birth, my men's Bible study thought it would be appropriate to do a study on Calvin. We all really enjoyed the book and found it encouraging to reflect on our own passion for the majesty of God.

The book gives us insight into the thinking, character and times of Calvin. It was fascinating to see the historical context and the difficulties that people of the times faced.

I am also glad that Piper addresses the issue of Calvin's involvement in the case of Michael Servetus in the appendix. As brilliant, driven and focused on God's work as Calvin was, he was not without fault. Piper presents a fair handling of the issue.