Theology Made Practical

Book excerpt: In Theology Made Practical , Joel R. Beeke, David W. Hall, and Michael A. G. Haykin declare the significance of John Calvin’s life and ideas—particularly his contributions to systematic theology, pastoral theology, and political theology—as well as the influence he had on others through the centuries. With focused studies related to the Trinity, predestination, the Holy Spirit, justification, preaching, missions, principles of government, welfare, and marriage, this book demonstrates how Calvin’s thought has been, and still is, a dynamic wellspring of fruitfulness for numerous areas of the Christian life. More than 450 years since Calvin experienced the beatific vision, his thinking about God and His Word still possesses what our culture passionately longs for—true relevancy. Table of Contents: Part 1: Calvin’s Biography 1. The Young Calvin: Preparation for a Life of Ministry—Michael A. G. Haykin 2. Practical Lessons from the Life of Idelette Calvin—Joel R. Beeke Part 2: Calvin’s Systematic Theology 3. “Uttering the Praises of the Father, of the Son, and of the Spirit”: John Calvin on the Divine Triunity —Michael A. G. Haykin 4. Calvin on Similarities and Differences on Election and Reprobation—Joel R. Beeke 5. Calvin on the Holy Spirit—Joel R. Beeke 6. Explicit and Implicit Appendixes to Calvin’s View of Justification by Faith —David W. Hall Part 3: Calvin’s Pastoral and Political Theology 7. Calvin’s Experiential Preaching—Joel R. Beeke 8. John Calvin and the Missionary Endeavor of the Church—Michael A. G. Haykin 9. Calvin on Principles of Government—David W. Hall 10. Calvin on Welfare: Diaconal Ministry in Geneva—David W. Hall 11. Christian Marriage in the Twenty-First Century: Calvin on the Purpose of Marriage—Michael A. G. Haykin Part 4: Calvin’s Legacy 12. Calvin’s Circle of Friends: Propelling an Enduring Movement—David W. Hall 13. Calvin as a Calvinist—Joel R. Beeke 14. Calvinism and Revival—Michael A. G. Haykin