|
2 von 2 Kunden fanden die folgende Rezension hilfreich:
4.0 von 5 Sternen
A good translation of Genevian Protestant systematics, 10. Juli 2000
Von Ein Kunde
This present volume can truly be described as a good and well translated edition of the first dogmatic work of Protestant theology. Unlike Luther, Calvin tried to sum up and structure his belief in order to give rules and regulations of how to interpret the Scripture in the way upper German and Swiss Reformation saw God and the Christian Faith.The contents of this book is easily summarised: It serves to show the differences between Protestant theology furthered by Lutherans and the theological assumptions which did not find their way into the Confessio Augustana in 1530. Two points mark Calvin's argument in the "Institutes" which the reader will find clearly expressed (although the reader has to make up his own mind whether he or she will find the argument convincing): first Calvin's interpretation of the problem of sacraments, and second Calvin's dogma of predestination. Having the context of the religious talk of 1529 and the quarrels over Augustine's definitions of "res" and "signum" in mind, one will find the latin text translated into readable English. Concerning the predestination of the Calvinist faith in the "avancement du royaume de Dieu", though, one is always enclined to assume that the translator is not so unbiased as the reader (he or she) might want him to be. This book should nevertheless be considered as an easily available volume for all students of theology, history, and political thought, and even the interested reader will find it illuminating to consume this book, not as the one and only interpretation of Christian faith, but as a very influential interpretation of the Holy Scripture and some of its basic ideas. Considering the impact that Calvinist mission had on the course of French, English and American history, I regard this book a good option for many people to become aware of these roots.
|