Jason has a review of John De Gruchy's new book on John Calvin over at Per Crucem ad Lucem. De Gruchy is a Reformed theologian who in South Africa experienced the best and worst of reformed Christianity as both crtigue and implicate of the social and political history of that country.
His overall portrayal of Calvin as a Christian humanist reflects a growing consensus in Calvin studies which recognise the tranformative and constructive influence of humanism in the thought and work of Calvin. Jason quotes in full De Gruchy's conclusion of six affirmations which define the vision of mature Christian Humanism. Here they are - a searching checklist of what it means in practical, social and moral terms, for Christians to take the humanity of others, and themselves, with the faithful seriousness the Gospel of Jesus Christ demands.
First, Christian humanism is inclusive in its vision of humanity. It recognises that being human is our primary identity – coming before those of religion, race, culture, social class or gender.
Second, Christian humanism affirms both the God-given dignity of being human and the concomitant responsibility of being human. Given human brokenness, it understands the gospel as God’s way of restoring human dignity and awakening our responsibility for the world in which we live.
Third, Christian humanism is open to knowledge and insight from wherever truth is to be found, but it draws most deeply from the Christian Scriptures and the long history of their interpretation through the centuries, embodied in what is called ‘Christian tradition’.
Fourth, Christian humanism insists that love of God is inseparable from love for others; that faith and discipleship belong together; that theology and ethics are part of the same enterprise, and that the renewal of church life and public life are intrinsically connected.
Fifth, Christian humanism places justice, good governance, ecological responsibility and global well-being above national and sectional interests. It is concerned to ensure that scientific and technological development serve the common good and the well-being of the earth.
Sixth, Christian humanism encourages human creativity and cherishes beauty. It insists that goodness, truth and beauty are inseparable, though distinct. Just as it places a premium on moral values and the search for truth, it also regards the development of aesthetic values and sensitivity through the arts as essential for human well-being.
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Jim, I'm not sure if you've read de Gruchy's little book on Calvin, but I think you'd like it very much.
It's been long overdue for me, but I'm near-finished reading Bruce Gordon's wonderful biography on Calvin. I remember seeing it on your 'Currently reading' list a few years ago. What did you make of it? I'll be recommending it, along with the Partee volume, to my class on Calvin.
Posted by: Jason Goroncy | April 27, 2014 at 10:57 AM
Hi Jason - I think Gordon's biography is the best available just now. McGrath is less theological but good for contextual background; Bouwsma is flawed by tendentious psychological interpretations, though fascinating and I think at times enlightening. Partee is the best book on Calvin's theology I've read, and along with Gordon the two standout volumes for interest and reliability. I think the Selderhuis Calvin Handbook is another fine resource as is the Cambridge Companion. But the Calvin industry works at a high production level.
Posted by: Jim Gordon | April 27, 2014 at 02:37 PM