John Calvin, the immensely influential Christian Reformer, first published The Institutes of the Christian Religion—a summary of Protestant beliefs—in the 1530s. He would expand it over time, publishing four more editions (the last came in 1559). Now cherished as one of the classic works of Christian faith, today's review is of a graphic novel adaptation for children, covering chapters 1-5 of Book 1 of the Institutes.
Here, Calvin covers:
- True Wisdom (which has "two inseparable parts: knowing God and knowing ourselves.")
- Knowing God ("true knowledge of God is not merely intellectual or theoretical; it is profoundly personal and relational." "The purpose of knowing God is to teach us fear and reverence," so we "worship God with sincere hearts that fully trust in his loving care and provision.")
- The Seed of Religion ("all people are born with a natural awareness of God . . . imprinted on their hearts.")
- The Corrupted Seed ("sin has corrupted the seed [of religion] and prevented it from producing the good fruit of genuine devotion and true piety. Instead, it bears rotten fruit that leads humanity away from truly knowing God and worshiping him alone.")
- Creation and Providence (God has "revealed himself to use through creation, which serves as a dazzling theater that displays his majesty, power, wisdom, and goodness." He also "reveals himself through his providence—his rule over all creation and human history." The purpose of both is "to lead humanity to know, love, and glorify him.")
I have yet to read Institutes, but this version is excellent. I know it covers only five chapters of the work, but it presents the material with clarity and power.
Rating: A
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