"Neither the Spirit without the Flesh"
John Calvin's Doctrine of the Beatific Vision

By (author) Dr Steven W. Tyra

ISBN13: 9780567714534

Imprint: T.& T.Clark Ltd

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Published: 21/08/2025

Availability: Not yet available

Description
This book claims that John Calvin developed “Greek” doctrines of the interim state of souls, resurrection, and beatific vision through his reading of ancient Christian sources like Irenaeus of Lyons. “Greek” had been a technical term in Western theology since at least the 12th century to denote heterodox eschatology. Thomas Aquinas had employed it in that sense, and early modern Catholics like Robert Bellarmine and Pierre Coton in turn applied it to Calvin. The book demonstrates that, in this respect at least, Calvin’s opponents were correct: he was a “Greek.” However, it questions whether that fact should lead modern theologians to dismiss him as a resource for contemporary reflection. Calvin’s deep respect for and continuity with early Christian voices may serve as a positive model for theologians today, particularly in the Reformed tradition. By the same token, Reformed thinkers who seek inspiration from medieval scholasticism may find their relationship to Calvin complicated by the case presented here.
Chapter 1 Of Greeks and Calvinists Chapter 2 “A Somewhat Archaic Conception” Chapter 3 The Scholastic Consensus Chapter 4 Calvin between the Radicals and Rome (1542-1545) Chapter 5 Calvin and Vermigli Debate the State of Souls Chapter 6 Calvin’s Cosmic Gospel Chapter 7 Calvin on the Beatific Vision Chapter 8 “When Our Journey is Complete” Bibliography Index
  • History of religion
  • Christian theology
  • Calvinist, Reformed & Presbyterian Churches
  • Professional & Vocational
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List Price: £28.99