The theology of John Calvin was given classic expression in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion ." In this definitive work, Calvin expert Charles Partee offers a careful exposition of Calvin's theology as it appears in the "Institutes," paying special attention to the relation of Calvin's theology to the history of Christian thought and to the questions of Calvin's own time. Partee also examines the development of later Calvinism and the adaptation of Calvin's thought by his later followers. As Partee shows, Calvin's theology provides a profound exposition of Christian faith and a magnificent resource for theology today.

This is a thorough study of Calvin's conception of Christian philosophy, his exposition of insights of classical philosophy, and his evaluations of classical philosophers. Special attention is given to the doctrines of providence and predestination.

Purves and Partee discuss theology's relevance to personal life and Christian faith from an evangelical perspective and through the lens of the Reformed tradition. "Encountering God" focuses on basic issues of Christian faith as they are filtered through contemporary experience: the merits of doctrine, God, Jesus, faith, justification, sanctification, salvation, sin, predestination, lamentation, hope and joy.