Calvin's Theological Legacy

Often caricatured for its rigidity, harshness and hostility to the arts, Calvinism has suffered from frequent misrepresentation, not least in Scotland. In particular, the identification of Calvin's theology with double predestination and religious intolerance present formidable difficulties for a contemporary appropriation of his work. While adopting a critical approach to key aspects of Calvin's thought, this essay nevertheless seeks to understand and to recover other important features of his life and work including his rhetorical strategy, the concept of divine accommodation, and his approach to church, sacraments and ministry which remains an important ecumenical resource.