Randall C. Zachman
Author of John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian: The Shape of His Writings and Thought
About the Author
Randall C. Zachman is associate professor of Reformation studies at the University of Notre Dame.
Works by Randall C. Zachman
John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor, and Theologian: The Shape of His Writings and Thought (2006) 101 copies, 1 review
John Calvin and Roman Catholicism: Critique and Engagement, Then and Now (2008) — Editor — 62 copies, 1 review
The Assurance of Faith: Conscience in the Theology of Martin Luther and John Calvin (1993) 54 copies
Associated Works
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1953
- Gender
- male
- Education
- Colgate University (BA|1975)
Yale Divinity School (MDiv|1980)
University of Chicago Divinity School (PhD|1990) - Organizations
- University of Notre Dame
Members
Reviews
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Associated Authors
Statistics
- Works
- 6
- Also by
- 1
- Members
- 265
- Popularity
- #86,991
- Rating
- 3.9
- Reviews
- 2
- ISBNs
- 16
All of that to say, while John Calvin is well written, the argument of the book is almost indiscernible. One feels that in Zachman’s conclusion where he finishes his book with these words, “this study has been attempted… in order to understand [his best-known writings’] place in the curriculum Calvin tirelessly created for the school of Christ.” Like the good academic he is, Zachman is not going after sweeping pronouncements, but fine tweaks on the interpretation of the place of Calvin’s works.
While helpful as a resource for those who are waist-deep in Calvin studies, then, the book is much less helpful for the lay reader. There is no attempt to re-work Zachman’s essays into a larger argument, or even provide a progression in the midst of those essays. For that reason, I would recommend that the reader pick up the book and read essays they have a particular interest in instead of working one’s way through the entire book.
My favorite of Zachman’s essays was his lively essay “The Universe as the Living Image of God” where he takes on those who name Calvin among those who are responsible for current ecological exploitation. On the contrary, Zachman argues, “According to Calvin, God excludes no creature from God’s care ,and neither should we.” In Calvin’s own words, “Moreover, that this economy and this diligence, with respect to those good things which God has given us to enjoy, may flourish among us; let every one regard himself as the steward of God in all things which he possesses. Then he will neither conduct himself dissolutely, nor corrupt by abuse those things which God requires to be preserved.”
Even given my esteem for Zachman, unless you have a strongly academic bent in your interest in Calvin, I would look elsewhere for a book on Calvin’s preaching and teaching.… (more)