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John Calvin: A Pilgrim's Life Paperback – February 21, 2009

by Herman J. Selderhuis (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 13 customer reviews
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Product Details

  • Paperback: 287 pages
  • Publisher: IVP Academic (February 21, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0830829210
  • ISBN-13: 978-0830829217
  • Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #708,437 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsNeither friend nor foe
By A. Omelianchuk on June 29, 2009
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
With Calvin I have found that it is a bit difficult to encounter the man behind the theology, because so many biographies either lionize or demonize him that few if any are worth reading. Enter Herman J. Selderhuis's new biography John Calvin: A Pilgrim's Life whose book is neither laudatory nor disparaging and very, very well-written.

"Life is a steeplechase," begins Selderhuis, "there are dangers everywhere, and God himself, who has put most of the obstacles in our way, watches to see whether we make it over them. Such is John Calvin's view of life." From there Selderhuis exposits the life of Calvin from ten angles:

1. Orphan (1509-1533)
2. Pilgrim (1533-1536)
3. Stranger (1536-1538)
4. Refugee (1538-1541)
5. Preacher (1541-1546)
6. Victim (1546-1549)
7. Widower (1549-1551)
8. Patient (1551-1554)
9. Sailor (1555-1559)
10. Soldier (1559-1564)

Selderhuis's biography brings the stoic looking, long-bearded figure to life in numerous ways. Calvin was emotional and susceptible to anger and grief, but made strenuous efforts to deal patiently with his critics. He labored arduously to have unity with co-leaders, yet would not compromise if he felt the truth was in question. After reading about Calvin's temperament, it is not surprising to see why his Reformed forebearers have embodied many of his personal traits. There is much to revere in Calvin's character as their is much to be repelled by. His passion for God's glory was fanatical, and his dedication to service unimpeachable. Calvin had a great heart for the poor that prophetically called upon the rich to sacrifice for their less fortunate brethren.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsA personal view of Calvin's life
By Barry Applewhite on May 19, 2011
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
Since I am not a fan of Calvinism, I did not expect to become a fan of Calvin. But after reading John Calvin by Herman J. Selderhuis (IVP Academic, 2009), my esteem for the man definitely grew.

Selderhuis claims to write as neither friend nor enemy of Calvin (1509-1564), and I think he maintained that neutrality. Since Calvin maintained that we learn most about people from their letters, his letters were the primary source used by the author. This is not a book for you to gain a grip on Calvin's theology, but it works well in giving insights into his personality and life experience. For example, I'll bet you did not know that Calvin used at least four names during his life, nor that he was an illegal alien for most of his adult life!

It is fascinating that Calvin never had any formal theological training, a fact that we should probably celebrate. He was gifted in explaining complex theological concepts simply, and it is astonishing that Calvin gave ten new sermons every fourteen days! That is a killing workload.

You can tell that this book has many interesting things to say about a remarkable theologian. A longer review may be found on my blog (barrybiblicalnotes.com). Calvin did much to advance appreciation for the Bible as the basis for all Christian theology. I warmly recommend John Calvin by Herman J. Selderhuis.
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5.0 out of 5 starsVery Educational
By greatuncledad on December 19, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This was another book I was required to read for a class. I probably would not buy it just to read for pleasure. However, it is a good read. Very informative on the life of Calvin. I have learned a lot I have not heard anywhere else. It give me a much greater understanding of the man and his philosophy. I see that there is a lot of misconception on some of Calvin's teaching. Great information.
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5.0 out of 5 starsnot enough superlatives to describe this book.
By PastoralMusings VINE VOICE on August 3, 2009
Format: Paperback
First of all, I must say that I generally enjoy books that are published by IVP. This one is among the few exceptions. I did not enjoy it, but I greatly enjoyed it. There are not enough superlatives in my vocabulary to describe the pleasure I took in reading this book.

Selderhuis is certainly a good historian. He is also a good writer. History can be dry and dull. This one is not. The writing is well done. The author holds the reader's attention. The research is well done, too.

In the book's 259 pages there is an abundance of material about Calvin. This is a biography of Calvin, so it covers all of his life and all of his ministry.

Honestly, Selderhuis takes a positive look at Calvin, but still shows us his not so good points as well. In fact, at one point, the author speaks of Calvin as petty. He is sometimes described as impatient. I can see no place where Calvin is painted to be better than he actually was. At the same time, Calvin has been absolved of some of the popular charges against him.

Calvin has been accused of many different things. Among those things were charges that he had Servetus burned, sought a theocracy in Geneva, and ruled Geneva as a sort of iron-fisted tyrant. Selderhuis shows that these charges are not true. In the case of Servetus, Calvin had to obey the law in turning him over to the authorities. Calvin did not call for his death, however. In fact, Calvin sought for Servetus to not go to Geneva in the first place. Neither did he rule in Geneva in any fashion other than as pastor. Calvin was not even granted the status of citizen until just a while before he died.

Throughout the book we find the thing that drove Calvin: a passion for truth. Calvin loved God's Word.Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars"John Calvin: A pilgrim's Life", by any measure not the best book on...

Not a valuable book : first the fonts are very small, so the paper copy is barely readable.
Then the book in spite of some showing some good research and comments (for example... Read more

Published 4 months ago by Jeffersonian
4.0 out of 5 starsQuirky. Evenhanded. Presents Calvin as a human being ...

Quirky. Evenhanded. Presents Calvin as a human being.

Published 5 months ago by Amy
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

I liked reading about John Calvin. I had always wondered about Calvinism.

Published 6 months ago by R Grider
5.0 out of 5 starsA great introduction, easy to read, neither overly glorifies nor...

I was looking for an introductory book to Calvin. He is a very controversial figure and there are many books breathlessly praising him, and many others cursing him with... Read more

Published on January 1, 2014 by Peregrine Plover
4.0 out of 5 starsA Must Read!

An Overview

In his own words, Selderhuis describes himself neither friend nor foe. "I feel nothing for Calvin either way, but I am fascinated by him as a person. Read more

Published on June 24, 2013 by revtcr
5.0 out of 5 starsGood insights

This is a thorough overview of the life of a complex man and influential leader in the history of the Christian movement. Read more

Published on June 5, 2013 by Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 starsGood popular biography

Selderhuis has done a good job of presenting a short, popular introduction to the 16th century reformer and his era. Read more

Published on January 10, 2012 by Anson Cassel Mills
5.0 out of 5 starsJohn Calvin - A Pilgrim's Life

I expected this to be a dry read, but I found it to be informative in a very reader friendly, entertaining way. I love the author's dry sense of humor.

Published on November 23, 2010 by Ruth
3.0 out of 5 starsGood Info!

I guess I was looking for more of a narrative, so the book didn't really resonate with me. Thought the author did a good job of presenting Calvin's faults, but could have heard a... Read more

Published on February 6, 2010 by Paul

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