Calvin
Jean Calvin was man committed to make a change in the world. Throughout his life he sought to reform the church. "He attempted to reform not simply the doctrine and church organization... but also the social-political order according to the Word of God"(Hoffecker 127). Calvin defined ways in which one should have a relationship with his God. It was Calvin's view that God's sovereignty is a dynamic principle of life that shaped his world-view. He believed that God's inscrutable will directs everything. Calvin was not the first person to reform the church. He was, however, was a very big influence in the reformation. Like Martin Luther, Calvin rested his beliefs solely on the Word of God. Although he "probably was not an ordained priest"(Williams 70), he spent a good part of his life as a pastor in Geneva. His influence spread quickly as he began to speak of his ideas. According to Calvin the most important attribute of God to experience is His providence. God is not just a Creator. For if He was, "He would be unrelated to his creation"(Hoffecker 128). Since this is the way Calvin viewed this, he concluded that God cares for everything He has made. God has care for the "least sparrow"(129). There are
Williams, Peter W. "Calvin, John" World Book Encyclopedia Ed Scott Fetzer A person is able to agree with most of what Calvin has to say on providence. One would be able to believe that God is around him and looks out for him. God is open and willing to listen. People are able to take their questions and concerns to God in prayer. After God listens to their prayers, He then decides how to act. This is why some may have trouble with the idea that God already has everything planned out for them. One tends to think that if he is having trouble in his life that, if he has faith in God, then God will change the things he sees fit. According to Calvin, God already has a set plan for us that cannot be changed. Other than that, there is not too much to argue with on Calvin's beliefs. Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reform Publishing, 1986 Harp, Jean Calvin. Grove City College. Grove City. 9 November 1999. Hoffecker, W Andrew and Smith, Gary Scott. Building a Christian World View Again, one cannot argue too much with Calvin's teachings. One believes that it is true that man can only do good through the grace of God. Since all humans have natural sin they acquired from Adam, they have fallen short of glorifying God. There is one area were there can be a difference in Calvin's thought. He said that after the fall of man, he was deprived of truth, wisdom, and righteousness. One would agree with the loss of truth and righteousness, but not with wisdom. God has given people wisdom that they may seek and find Him. Without wisdom, people would never be able to find God.
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Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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