The Very Short Introductions Podcast Calvinism – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 26
Apr 15, 2021
Jon Balserak, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bristol and author, dives deep into the essence of Calvinism. He defines its historical emergence and explores its Reformed identity. Balserak emphasizes God's sovereignty and grapples with the complex moral challenges of predestination. He discusses the profound influence of Calvinism on work ethics, culture, and politics. Personal anecdotes reveal his own journey into Calvinism, sparked by notable readings like Bunyan's works. This conversation unveils the lasting legacy of Calvinist thought in contemporary society.
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Origins And Scope Of Calvinism
- Calvinism is a major stream of Western Christianity that began in 1520s–1530s across several European cities.
- It overlaps with Reformed Theology but the labels don't map exactly and 'Calvinism' is historically accidental.
Common Misconceptions And Audiences
- Public perceptions of Calvinism vary from caricatures like Calvin as a tyrant to knowledge of the five points or modern New Calvinists.
- The book aims to help novices and those familiar with historical or contemporary Calvinism understand its ideas.
God's Sovereignty Emphasized
- Calvinism emphasizes God's mercy and love alongside God's supreme authority and power.
- It portrays God as determining everything from falling leaves to major historical events and human actions.
