In his groundbreaking new study of the Swiss reformer, Randall
C. Zachman reveals and analyzes John Calvin's understanding of
image and word both comprehensively and chronologically, with
attention to the way that each theme develops in Calvin's
theology.
For most scholars, John Calvin (1509-1564) insisted on the
essential invisibility of God in order to deny that God could be
represented in any kind of visible image. This claim formed one of
his foundational arguments against the display of man-made images
in worship. Given the transcendence of God, Calvin rejected the
human attempt to create signs and symbols of Godos presence on
earth, especially the statues, images, and paintings present in
Roman Catholic churches.
Zachman argues, in contrast, that although Calvin rejects the
use of what he calls "dead images" in worship, he does so to focus
our attention on the "living images of God" in which the invisible
God becomes somewhat visible. Calvin insists that these images
cannot rightly be contemplated without the Word of God to clarify
their meaning; we are only led to the true knowledge of God when we
hold together the living images of God that we see with the Word of
God that we hear. This combination of seeing and hearing pervades
Calvin's theology, from his understanding of the self-revelation of
God the Creator to his development of the self-manifestation of God
the Redeemer in Jesus Christ. According to Zachman, Calvin
maintains the same linking of seeing and hearing in our
relationships with other human beings: we must always hold together
what we see in others' gestures and actions with what we hear in
their words, so that the hidden thoughts of their hearts might be
manifested to us.
Zachman's nuanced argument that Calvin holds image and word,
manifestation and proclamation, in an inseparable relationship is
relevant to all the major themes of Calvin's theology. It
constitutes a highly significant and surprising contribution to our
knowledge of the Reformation and an invitation to further study of
theological aesthetics.
"Randall C. Zachman's "Image and Word in the Theology of John
Calvin"may well become the standard introduction to the theology of
John Calvin. Better than any book I know, Zachman makes sense of
Calvin's work and methods while capturing Calvin's religious
sensibilities in a way no other does. This may be the book that
finally demolishes an older image of Calvin that much of the Calvin
scholarship has been chipping away at for the last thirty years.
Zachman's fresh reading of Calvin makes a true scholarly
contribution that could well shape Calvin studies--and broader late
medieval and early modern studies that bump into Calvin--for the
next generation." --Thomas J. Davis, Indiana University-Purdue
University Indianapolis
"With this impressive study Randall Zachman has established
himself as one of the foremost Calvin scholars in the world. His
earlier works--"The Assurance of Faith" (a study of conscience in
Luther and Calvin), and "John Calvin as Teacher, Pastor and
Theologian--"were substantial contributions to Calvin studies, but
this large volume is the capstone of many years of immersing
himself in the Calvinian corpus. Developing two major motifs of the
living images of God the Creator and God the Redeemer, the author
treats a wide variety of themes in Calvin's theology in a fresh and
creative way. This is a monumental accomplishment. Written in a
lively, lucid manner, this work should be of interest not only to
Calvin scholars but also to a more general readership." --I. John
Hesselink, emeritus, Western Theological Seminary"
"Most students of John Calvin concentrate on his use of words
and make of his form of religion one that can be absorbed only by
listening or reading. Randall Zachman, by examining closely
Calvin's constant references to living images, suggests that Calvin
created a form of religion that should be absorbed by both
listening and looking, revealed in both truth and beauty. His book
supplies a fresh view that will be of special interest to those
seeking ecumenical perspectives on Calvin's important contributions
to the Christian tradition." --Robert M. Kingdon, Emeritus,
University of Wisconsin-Madison "
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