Calvin's Tormentors: Understanding the Conflicts That Shaped the Reformer - Paperback

by Gary W. Jenkins (Author)

This book offers a unique approach to Calvin by introducing the individuals and groups who, through their opposition to Calvin's theology and politics, helped shape the Reformer, his theology, and his historical and religious legacy. Respected church historian Gary Jenkins shows how Calvin had to defend or rethink his theology in light of his tormentors' challenges, giving readers a more nuanced view of Calvin's life and thought. The book highlights the central theological ideas of the Swiss Reformation and introduces figures and movements often excluded from standard texts.

Back Jacket

Calvin's Tormentors introduces the individuals and groups who, through their opposition to John Calvin's theology and politics, helped shape the Reformer, his theology, and his historical and religious legacy. Gary Jenkins shows how Calvin had to defend or rethink his theology in light of his tormentors' challenges. The book reveals Calvin as a subtle thinker whose intellectual life wore the marks of the controversies he endured, giving readers a more nuanced view of Calvin's life and thought.

"Jenkins's extensive survey of John Calvin's opponents, both in Geneva and further afield, offers fresh insights into the Reformer's theological outlook in one accessibly written volume. The book fills a noticeable gap in Calvin studies."
--Karin Maag, director, H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies

"This provocatively titled book represents neither a defense of nor an assault on Calvin. Rather, Jenkins is exceptionally evenhanded in his treatment. He discusses the lives and exploits of those who attacked Calvin and also shows that Calvin frequently brought these attacks on himself. Calvin's Tormentors treats infamous fracases as well as lesser-known ones. Its handling of the Servetus and Bolsec cases in particular is exemplary. Jenkins is a patient, thorough, and insightful scholar, not to mention a beautiful writer. This stimulating read is punctuated with lovely vignettes, pin-sharp detail, and plenty of grist for a graduate seminar or for private reflection."
--Jon Balserak, senior lecturer in early modern religion, University of Bristol

"Calvin's Tormentors is a refined piece of scholarship on what is a rather neglected aspect of the life and work of the Genevan Reformer, namely the nature and character of the voices raised against him and his reform program. Jenkins provides detailed and well-designed studies of Calvin's interactions with du Tillet, Caroli, Sadoleto, Servetus, Castellio, Berthelier, Baudouin, Bolsec, Westphal, and the Italian antitrinitarians. This is a fine historical analysis that provides a significant and often-neglected window on the Genevan Reformation--a work to be welcomed by scholars and students alike."
--Richard A. Muller, senior fellow, Junius Institute for Digital Reformation Research; P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology, Emeritus, Calvin Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Gary W. Jenkins (PhD, Rutgers University) is Van Gorden Professor of History and chair of the history department at Eastern University in St. David's, Pennsylvania, where he has taught for over 20 years. He is the author of John Jewel and the English National Church and numerous articles.