Contemporary discussions about politics, economics, and social problems have one thing in common: they rarely include God or the Bible as relevant elements in the search for our answers. This situation was not always the case. John Calvin, known as a Church Reformer in the 16th century, dedicated his intellectual efforts to applying biblical principles to all spheres of society. Building upon the apostles and the early church fathers, Calvin is an important figure in the development of Christian theology and philosophy. For centuries after Calvin, his thoughts provided a broad and deep foundation for both theology and other areas of human life.
The effects of secularization are already being reaped as the nuclear family, honesty in the public sphere, and the value of religion crumble. The effects of neo-paganism are felt with the widespread acceptance of almost every religious thought—except historical Christianity. However, John Calvin's application of the Word of God to the times in which he lived not only served to free thousands of people for a dignified and fruitful life, but it could do the same today. We believe it is time for the Bible to have a place in today's discussions - and John Calvin was a servant who contributed much with eloquence and with a more rigorous consistency than any other.
C. Gregg Singer has done us a very valuable service by giving us a synthesis of Calvin's thought. We are pleased to offer this contribution for our modern times.
