This Site
Faith of our fathers came about as a means to share my thoughts and reflections from reading John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion. The aim is to discover why this theologian (and this work in particular) has had such an impact on the Christian church over the last 500 years.
John Calvin
Was a French theologian born in 1509 who wrote the Institutes as an introduction to the Christian faith for the people of France during a turbulent time in its history. Calvin was a lawyer prior to becoming a theologian and his thorough intellectual training comes through clearly in his books. As well as the Institutes, Calvin also wrote commentaries on nearly every book of the bible.
The Author
I am a scientist by training and profession with a passion for theology. I live and work in Scotland and am a member of Central Baptist Church in Dundee, I have the blessing of a young family, so finding time to read the Institutes is a challenge. However, I have set 2009 as the year to read through the four books that comprise the Institutes and share my thoughts through this blog for the encouragement of myself and others.
Having to crystallise our thoughts into an analysis of what we have learned solidifes that teaching within us much better than mere note taking. If you have enjoyed the reflections please leave a comment as it’s a great encouragement to know others are also enjoying the journey.
It should be pointed out that the desire behind the establishment of this site was to explore one of the most significant works in protestant theology and not to create a pro/anti Calvin discussion board. I have learnt a lot from what I have read of Calvin but am approaching the work with an inquisitive mind of the seeker, with as few preconceptions as possible. The Institutes is not inspired (in the biblical sense) and the daily reading for 2009 should not take the place of daily nourishment by the living word.
Martyn,
Thanks for reaching out and saying hi! I enjoyed my visit to your blog, have subscribed to your RSS Feed, and look forward to hearing your insights.
It appears that you are a bit ahead of me, in the Institutes, so you may find me poking around in your archives.
Martyn,
Good morning. I’m trusting that you’re well.
It is spring break here and all of our children have been home from school. The three oldest went on a youth retreat for five days with the group from church. The youngest has just been hanging around. My wife keeps four babies and toddlers at the house each day so it has been anything but quiet. Needless to say, I’ve not had much opportunity to read any of the Institutes. I’m looking forward to being able to try and get back to it next week.
I wanted to ask if the church you attend has a website. If it does, I’d like to visit it. I have a number of churches in Scotland bookmarked on my computer and am wanting to add some of them to the “churches” heading on the sidebar of my blog’s front page.
Blessings to you, Brother,
Scott
Good to hear from you Scott, it certainly sounds a busy home! I attend Central Baptist in Dundee under the ministry of Rev Jim Turrent. He is a great expositor and I have really enjoyed his preaching since arriving last year.
Every blessing,
Martyn
http://www.cbcdundee.org.uk/main/index.php
Hey Martyn-
Blessings to you in your insightful pondering!
Cheers
Chris
Martyn,
I admire you for your commitment to reading and posting on the Institutes. My time and energy to “run the race” ran out quite some time ago.
I do continue to post on my blog, though, on books that I read, church planting, missions and miscellaneous subjects.
~ Blessings ~
Scott
Thanks Scott, I have been enjoying reading a number of your posts @ tangible. I must admit finding the time for the Institutes remains a constant challenge but one that I have just about managed to keep on top of – the reading is easier than the blogging, but the blogging solidifies the chapter in my mind.
All the best,
Martyn