Critical Review of Simon Kistemaker’s “Calvinism: Its History, Principles and Perspectives"
Kistemaker's booklet has four major sections. The discussion on history has two sections: the biography of John Calvin himself and the development of Calvinism beginning from 16th century until the 20th century. The summary of Calvin's life story was divided into two periods: development both as a person and as a thinker and years of ministry. Kistemaker noted Calvin's superior intellectual ability in educational engagement. Calvin was also familiar to the world of aristocracy during his younger years. In his university training, he learned the skills in writing and debating. He possessed a legal mind. He was adept in humanistic writings. All these influences prepared him in the formation of a consistent Christian philosophy that molds the mind of succeeding generations. Calvin's period of service was not always characterized by warm acceptance. There were times that he was hated. His experience in Geneva testified about this. The reformation brought about by...