Study Guide to Calvin’s Institutes, A

“Calvin is a cataract, a primeval forest, a demonic power, something directly down from the Himalayas, absolutely Chinese, strange, mythological; I lack completely the means, the suction cups, even to assimilate this phenomenon, not to speak of presenting it adequately. . . . I could gladly and profitably set myself down and spend all the rest of my life just with Calvin.” – Karl Barth.

Sadly, despite Calvin’s vast historical influence, few Christians actually read Calvin. Surprisingly, his prose is very easy and it is only the length that is daunting. This study guide by Douglas Wilson gives readers bite-sized pieces of the institutes to read, as well as simple discussion questions to help review and ponder the gems found in this profound, yet simple Christian classic.

“I had read through Calvin’s Institutes a few years…. I was impressed at that time, but not convinced. I was simply doing my bit to become acquainted with the great literature of our civilization, which included Calvin, and, like I said, I was impressed. I was mostly impressed by the energy of his writing. This was real, whatever else it was…. Be prepared for surprises in Calvin. He is a Calvinist, obviously, but he is no tidy, doctrinaire Calvinist.” -From the Introduction

336 pages