John Calvin's theology has often been summarized by the acronym T.U.L.I.P. Read about TULIP and figure out what Calvin's theology involved. Read John Piper's book on Calvin to get an overview for Calvin's more complete theology. "The Life, Times and Theologicl Method of John Calvin" by Timothy Dane gives you a great deal of historical and biographical data about Calvin as does Avihu Zaka's brief summary of Calvin's life and work.

Readings: T.U.L.I.P.; John Calvin: For a New Reformation;   John Calvin & His Passion for the Majesty of God; The Life, Times and Theological Method of John Calvin; Calvin, John (1509-1564).

The films "John Calvin," "John Calvin: Reformer" and "Calvinist" are all brief films. "Calvinists" presents the persepctive of reformed theologian R. C. Sproul. The videos "Luther and Calvin on Predistination," "Young Calvin," "Calvin and Early Geneva," "The Organization of Geneva," "Calvin's Final Years," " Calvin & Calvinism," and "Calvin: Reformer and Man of Controversy" are all lectures presented by Professor Ryan Reeves of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Professor Reeves is an engaging and well-versed teacher. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminaty is a well now center for the study of Calvinist thought.

Video: John Calvin; John Calvin: Reformer; Calvinist; Luther & Calvin on Predestination; Young Calvin; Calvin & Early Geneva; Organization of Geneva; Calvin's Final Years; Calvin & Calvinism; Calvin - Reformer and Man of Controversy (Part 1) (Part 2)

After having done the readings for this session and reviewed the accompanying videos you may choose - on a purely optional basis - to answer the study questions and submit them at etwimber@hotmail.com or to contact Dr. Wimberley by phone or email to request a time for dialogue about what you have learned. You may do so by phone or dialogue via Skype or Facetime. Dr. Wimberley's phone number is 239.405.4164. We may also convene group meetings of the class using the Zoom application on our computers. You can enroll in this course by emailing etwimber@hotmail.com or by texting Dr. Wimberley at 239.405.4164.

Study Questions:

1. What are the basic tenets (T.U.L.I.P.) of Calvin's theology?
2. Calvin is considered a "second generation" reformer. What does that mean? Who influence his thought?
3. Calvin ultimately set himself up in Geneva where he ran the town as a virtual dictator as illustrated in his handling of the matter involving Michael Servetus. Upon reviewing the Servetus case, do you agree that Calvin's handling of the matter was autocratic and dictatorial? Explain.
4. How did Calvin differ from Luther on "predestination?"