©1905, Christian Focus Publications, 342 pages in paperback.

How does one pursue the glory of God in all things? Walker’s book provides excellent insight into John Calvin’s life regarding this question.  Once he was converted around 1533, the twenty-four-year-old Frenchman soon saw some of the cost for his being a Christian in the Reformation era. He lost income sources and had to flee his native land.  In God’s providence he arrived and settled in Geneva. There he sought to faithfully teach and train his hearers in terms of living out scripture. His focus on worship, sacraments, and church discipline brought him into much controversy.  Calvin was forced out of Geneva. Soon he became pastor of a French congregation in Strasbourg.

This three year ministry ended when the Genevan leaders invited him to return to the unsettled city and continue his ministry. Calvin returned because he believed God was calling him to do so. This return began his next twenty-three years of ministry.

Walker devotes chapters to the arduous, slow, but true advances of the reformation in Geneva.  Opposition continued on many fronts.  Calvin had to battle political leaders, theological attacks, an unsettled international scene, and even laity who derided him to the point of naming their dogs after him.

Through all of this Calvin kept his eye on God’s glory.  He sought to preach the word throughout the week, take time to answer his attackers, and oversee the shepherding of the flock.  He was additionally burdened by the death of his wife, the responsibility of the care of her two children, and his own health concerns.  In the midst of these trials he took time to minister to refugees who were fleeing persecution in Europe and entering the Genevan haven. Prior to his death Calvin also saw the establishment of a school to train the next and future generations.

Walker has written an insightful biography that puts Calvin in the context and culture of his times.  The author goes beyond opening up Calvin’s life for readers. He explains why Germany was politically better soil for the Reformation than was France.  He devotes several pages to a description of Geneva prior to Calvin’s arrival.

The controversial execution of Michael Servetus is examined in light of Calvin’s role and the mindset of that day.  Additionally the author realistically addresses the fact of Calvin’s temper and also his youthful zeal.  This zeal for God’s glory as Calvin understood it was too rigid and uncompromising in the author’s eyes.  The author interacts with other biographies regarding disputed points such as the time of his conversion. A chapter about Calvin’s theology allows the unacquainted reader insight into his theology.

This biography was initially published in 1906.  It is not outdated. The former Yale professor has provided the reader with an outstanding, insightful biography of a man of gifted intellect, and how he sought to advance God's glory and teach others to do the same in the midst of his own sinfulness and the sinful culture around him. Reading this book can be a source of encouragement for us in the days in which God has called us to live. Man’s chief end remains unchanged. Our duty is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Review ©2007 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia