The reformers rejected the sacramental doctrine that many of them inherited from the Roman Catholic Church, which taught that the elements of the ceremony infused grace into the recipient, working independent of their faith, or lack of faith. Instead, Reformed theologians such as Zurich pastor Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531) taught that the sacrament was the sign…

John Calvin on Philippians 4:6   For we are not made of iron, so as not to be shaken by temptations. But this is our consolation, this is our solace: to place (or, to speak more correctly, to unload) in the bosom of God everything that harasses us. Indeed confidence brings tranquility to our minds,…

John Calvin on Luke 24:25-27 This reproof [“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe”] appears to be too harsh and severe considering this person’s weakness; but whoever considers all the circumstances will easily understand that the Lord had good reason for rebuking so sharply those on whom he had long bestowed labor to…

As part of its continuing calendar of events, the Henry Center launched its Scripture & Ministry series on Wednesday, led by an insightful presentation from Dr. Scott Manetsch on pastoral collegiality. Drawing upon his recent work on Calvin’s organizational genius, Dr. Manetsch discussed the model of ministry created by John Calvin in Geneva – the…

Jonathan Edwards and American Racism: Can the Theology of a Slave Owner Be Trusted by Descendants of Slaves? Jonathan Edwards is arguably the most important theologian that North America has produced. He is a hero to many Christians. Yet he also owned slaves, a fact that has raised important questions about his moral credibility. Should…