The Nature and Function of Faith in the Theology of John Calvin [Paperback]

Victor A. Shepherd (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2004

"This fine study exemplifies the best kind of historical theology: penetrating in its reading of the texts, attentive both to the detail and to the scope of its subject-matter, and, above all, alert to the fact that in the history of Christian thought we are in the sphere of theology, church and faith. A wide circle of new readers will find great profit in studying this rich account of a rich theme." John Webster, University of Aberdeen

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About the Author

Victor Shepherd (ThD, University of Toronto; STD, Roberts Wesleyan College)is Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at Tyndale University College & Seminary and adjunct faculty at the Toronto School of Theology.

Product Details

• Paperback: 260 pages
• Publisher: Regent College Publishing (July 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1573833282
• ISBN-13: 978-1573833288
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,705,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding book on Calvin's soteriology, August 12, 2005

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theologicalresearcher "theologicalresearcher" (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Nature and Function of Faith in the Theology of John Calvin (Paperback)

If there is a book that must be read (aside from Calvin's Commentaries and Institutes) in order to understand the soteriology of the great Genevan Reformer this book is it. Shepherd does an outstanding job presenting Calvin's understanding of faith to various theological issues in a systematic and engaging way. In fact, Shepherd's work is not only expositorily faithful to what Calvin wrote but philosophically impeccable (Shepherd is a philosophy of sorts too) in regards to how it engages Calvin's soteriology and its criticisms of it (as will be demonstrated below).

Shepherd discusses key issues related to Calvin's understanding of faith in each succeeding chapter: the Word, justification, sanctification, predestination, the various kinds of faith, the law, the church, and the sacraments. Though some chapters are longer than others Shepherd still manages to adequately deal with all these issues. One of the jewels of this book is Shepherd's discussion of Calvin's view of predestination (in fact, this chapter alone is worth the price of the book). Shepherd is not afraid to engage and even confront Calvin on this very contentious doctrine. To understand Shepherd's skill in pulling apart doctrines and reconstructing them one must read this chapter. Shepherd does a very good job arguing (I am a Calvinist, btw) that Calvin's doctrine of God's hidden "double decree" leaves no firm assurance for believers. Why? Even though Calvin insists that believers must look to Christ alone for assurance the implications of election will lead believers to ultimately look for assurance in themselves (i.e., if they possess "fruits" of election). This is where Calvin, according to Shepherd, gets himself in trouble. Shepherd also criticizes Calvin's handling of the reletionship between salvation and "unformed" faith. Shepherd, again, skillfully argues that Calvin's understanding of "unformed" faith leads to problems since it makes one believe that there are two kinds of faith - a faith that looks to Christ and saves and a faith that is not centered on Christ yet still saves (Shepherd sees Calvin here plunging into many difficulties and contradictions). Shepherd also criticizes the way Calvin handles the issue of Simon Magus. He argues that Calvin's understanding of "false faith" that looks and feels real warps "parts of the New Testament witness" (p. 127). Another good discussion is Calvin's understanding of infant baptism. Shepherd is correct to assert that Calvin's understanding of infant baptism (and infant baptism in general) breaks down the relations between the Word of promise, faith, and sacraments as seals of that faith (p. 218).

Though there are many parts in the book that challenges Calvin's understanding of certain doctrines exegetically and philosophically, Shepherd still does a good job of being fair to Calvin. In fact, his discussion of Calvin's view of the law is sure to provide ample information for students on the subject. This book is not only a good resource for those who are studying the theology of the great Genevan Reformer but is also one of those rare books that seriously challenges the theological points of Calvinism. In all honesty, my loyalty to the Calvinistic system was seriously challenged as I read this book. Not only is the scholarship at a high level in this book but it is also easy to read and understand. This is a good book to own if you're a passionate student of Calvin and his theology.