Uncovering Calvins God: John Calvin on Predestination and the Love of God

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Although God loves you is a common summary of the central message of Christian teaching and preaching, a close reading of the Bible and attention to the Christian tradition will reveal passages of Scripture and Christian doctrinesparticularly John Calvins doctrine of predestinationthat seem to undermine confidence in Gods love for all people. For numerous theologians, including many within the Reformed tradition, the secret decree of Calvins God to save some and condemn others seems to undercut completely ones assurance of salvation along with ones ability to trust in and worship God. However, pastor and scholar John Calvin confidently spoke of God as a loving Father throughout his teaching and preaching.

In Uncovering Calvins God, Forrest H. Buckner unearths Calvins teaching about the God of love who reigns sovereign over predestination. Drawing upon sources from across Calvins corpus, Buckner examines Calvins teaching on the knowledge of God and the doctrine of predestination to provide a more robust and cohesive understanding of Calvins theology, which Buckner then confirms through an extensive examination of Calvins preaching in Geneva. He then offers a critical comparison of Calvins approach with the teaching of Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Arminius, and Barth. Using Calvins system as a starting point, this book helps readers perceive the essentials and trade-offs of any doctrine of predestination that takes seriously both the Bible and the loving God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Reviews

Calvin's doctrine of predestination has long received much attention and just as much misinterpretation. Forrest H. Buckner proves that close reading of Calvin's texts and careful listening to his sermons brings new perspectives on this topic and helps to better understand the reformer. This book is an important contribution to Calvin research and to theology that wants to be relevant for the church.

-- Herman J. Selderhuis, author of John Calvin: A Pilgrim's Life

This is a carefully researched and instructive study on a topic of central importance in Calvins thought. In clear and engaging prose, Buckner reliably guides readers into the heart of Calvins teaching about predestination, the love of God, and Gods disposition toward humanity, and he does so with admirable scholarly fairness and pastoral sensitivity.

-- Adam A. Neder, Whitworth University

Buckners published dissertation is readable, well-documented, and pastoral in tone. The reader will find in the author a sympathetic listener who is willing to work through the hard questions and provide twenty-first-century guidance based upon the teachings of an earlier pastor.

* Calvin Theological Journal *

Author Bio

Forrest H. Buckner is the Storm Family Dean of Spiritual Life, campus pastor, and assistant professor of theology pastor at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.